Economic analysis of soilless and soil-based greenhouse cucumber production in Turkey

Abstract

Since the onset of the commercial application of soilless culture, this production approach has evoluted at a fast pace, gaining popularity among growers throughout the world. As a result, a lot of information has been developed by growers, advisors, researchers, and suppliers of equipment and substrate. This study aimed to determine the cost and return of soilless greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production and to prepare a sample budget for growers. Soilless cultivation is an alternative production method for Turkish growers and it is being practised on a commercial basis on 180 ha. Cost and return budgets can be useful for growers because they allows growers to compare total production cost and revenue varying grower type, production time, geographical location, operation size, and cost structure. Growers can identify items in their budget that have a greater effect on profitability, and make adjustments. In this study, economic aspects of soilless and soil-based greenhouse cucumber production was analysed as comparative. Total costs were subtracted from total gross revenue to calculate the net return of soilless and soil-based greenhouse cucumber production. The cost items of soilless and soil-based greenhouse cucumber production were initial investment costs, variable costs, and fixed costs. Net return obtained from cucumbers grown in a mixture of perlite and zeolite was determined as € 1.84 m-2, whereas it was € 1.48 m-2 in conventional soil-based production. Production and market risks both affect profitability and economic viability of soilless grown vegetables.