Evaluation of yield performance of Capsicum annuum (chili) cultivated using a low-cost, sustainable hydroponic system

One of the most pressing global challenges in conventional agriculture is climate change, which adversely affects crop productivity. Global food security is increasingly threatened by shifting climate patterns, depleting groundwater levels, and rapid urbanization. In this context, soilless hydroponics cultivation offers a sustainable solution, requiring minimal inputs, minimizing pesticide and agrochemical use, and enabling resource-efficient water management. This approach allows for climate-resilient production with precisely controlled yields under indoor farming conditions. Capsicum annuum (chili), a widely consumed food crop with high nutraceutical value, faces serious cultivation threats due to unpredictable weather fluctuations. This study evaluates the growth performance of C. annuum under a low-cost, water-efficient hydroponic system designed for indoor cultivation, utilizing repurposed mineral water bottles as growing units. A comparative assessment between soilless hydroponics and conventional soil-based cultivation was conducted to determine the potential of this system under controlled indoor conditions. The findings indicate that plant growth characteristics, yield performance, and nutraceutical quality were enhanced in the low-cost, non-circulating hydroponic setup. Key physiological parameters, including reactive oxygen species generation and antioxidant activity, were systematically measured. Overall, the results demonstrate that this sustainable hydroponic approach not only contributes to water-efficient, climate-resilient, and space-saving household chili production but also addresses solid waste management by repurposing discarded plastic bottles, thereby aligning with borader environmental sustainability goals.