International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 29-40 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 29 Case Study Open Access Case Study on the Application of Innovative Cultivation Techniques in Cucumber Production Fei Yang, Qianlu Gu, Wentao He, Decheng Hong, Mengyan Yu, Jinxiao Yao Zhoushan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhoushan, 316000, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: yjx241@126.com International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/ijh.2025.15.0004 Received: 20 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 26 Jan., 2025 Published: 21 Feb., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Yang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yang F., Gu Q.L., He W.T., Hong D.C., Yu M.Y., and Yao J.X., 2025, Case study on the application of innovative cultivation techniques in cucumber production, International Journal of Horticulture, 15(1): 29-40 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2025.15.0004) Abstract This study examines the application of innovative cultivation techniques in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production to enhance yield, quality, and sustainability. With cucumbers playing a significant role globally due to their nutritional value and culinary versatility, there is a growing need for advanced methods to meet increasing demand. The study evaluates techniques like integrated nutrient management, soil and substrate innovations, precision irrigation, and protected cultivation systems. The findings highlight that practices such as biochar-compost substrate integration, controlled-release fertilizers, smart irrigation systems, and hydroponics contribute to optimizing resource use, enhancing resilience, and improving crop output. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods in different climates and cultivation contexts, showing yield increases and quality improvements. The results suggest that incorporating organic and inorganic nutrient sources, automation in irrigation, and protected cultivation can significantly boost production efficiency and sustainability. Recommendations include adopting integrated nutrient management, moderated water application for nutrient-dense cucumbers, foliar bio-stimulants for stress mitigation, and hydroponic systems in controlled environments. Future research should address the long-term effects on soil health, the development of stress-resilient cucumber varieties, and advanced automation in precision agriculture for sustainable production. Keywords Genetic transformation; Biomass yield; Biochar; Photosynthesis; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a significant horticultural crop globally, valued for its nutritional benefits and versatility in culinary applications. It is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and is consumed both fresh and processed, contributing to its widespread popularity (Kaur and Sharma, 2021). Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals, providing essential nutrients that support human health. They are known for their cooling effect and are commonly used in salads and pickles (Kaur and Sharma, 2021). Additionally, cucumbers have medicinal properties, such as aiding in the treatment of jaundice and other ailments (Kaur and Sharma, 2021). The crop's economic importance is underscored by its extensive cultivation under various climatic conditions, including tropical and subtropical regions (Sharma et al., 2022). Globally, cucumber production has seen significant advancements, driven by the need to meet the increasing demand of a growing population. Traditional breeding methods have been complemented by modern molecular and transgenic approaches to enhance yield, quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses (Kaur and Sharma, 2021; Tan et al., 2022). In regions like China, which is a major producer of cucumbers, innovative cultivation techniques such as the use of plant growth regulators and integrated nutrient management have been employed to improve productivity and sustainability (Mir et al., 2019; Tan et al., 2022). The use of greenhouse cultivation and advanced covering materials has also been shown to positively impact cucumber growth and yield by optimizing internal environmental conditions (Alsadon et al., 2016). Furthermore, the integration of organic and inorganic nutrient sources has been demonstrated to enhance soil quality and economic returns in cucumber production (Sallam et al., 2021; Sharma et al., 2022). This study evaluates the application of innovative cultivation techniques in cucumber production, covering plant remediation, comprehensive nutrient management, and the impact of advanced greenhouse technology on cucumber yield and quality. It attempts to comprehensively understand how these techniques solve problems such
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