Halophytes in Hydroponic Systems for Biomass and Bioresource Production

Hydroponic cultivation of halophytes like Salicornia europaea, Crithmum maritimum, and Tripolium pannonicum in controlled greenhouse conditions using Hoagland nutrient solution and artificial aeration achieves high biomass yields—up to 121 t/ha for Salicornia europaea in 5 weeks at 20 g/L NaCl. The AQUACOMBINE project integrates aquaculture, farming, and bioprocessing to valorise all biomass fractions for food, feed, bio-compounds, and bioenergy. Optimal productivity depends on species and salinity. Experiments at Leibniz University Hanover use 16 L containers with eight plants each, maintained via top-up water and aeration. Results demonstrate significant potential for sustainable halophyte production in saline hydroponic systems.