Comparing yield, nutrient uptake and water use efficiency of Nasturtium officinale cultivated in aquaponic, hydroponic, and soil systems

, while the soilless systems exhibited higher amounts of carotenoids, protein, proline, and relative water content (P < 0.01). The aquaponics demonstrated the highest N, P, Mg, S, and Na, while the soil system displayed the highest Ca, Fe, and Zn concentrations. The higher amount Fe and Zn in soil system can be attributed to soil organic matter, which plays a role in chelating micronutrients and enhancing their accessibility for plant absorption. Different cultivation systems significantly affected the daily water usage and WUE. Daily water decreased by 39 and 34.4 % in the hydroponic and aquaponic, respectively than soil-based system. WUE in the hydroponic and aquaponic was 2.45 and 2.78 higher than in the soil. Overall, soilless systems resulted in faster plant growth and higher yields. This efficiency can lead to reduced inputs and less environmental impact than traditional farming. Further investigation is needed to assess the economic feasibility of growing medicinal plants using soilless methods.