Project on soilless cotton growing

Martin Ekenbark of Circular Innovation Lab stated that this technology helps solve the problems of traditional cotton cultivation, such as the consumption of water, nutrients, and pesticides, as well as the occupation of arable land suitable for food production. The project explores the potential of hydroponics and artificial intelligence to reduce cotton's dependence on these resources. With this method, plant roots are immersed in circulating water beneath mesh structures and receive a controlled set of nutrients, while water can be collected and reused.

According to Ekenbark, the system can be installed on rooftops, in parking lots, or in the desert provided there is sunlight and a water source. Previous attempts by HKRITA and Materra demonstrated the technical feasibility of the process, but the new project aims to create a scalable alternative. David René Rodríguez, co-founder of Magtech, noted that AI-based monitoring is used to increase efficiency and resource control: cameras assess crop maturity and detect pests at early stages, allowing targeted pesticide application. The closed water supply system prevents fertilizers from entering nearby rivers.

Rodríguez emphasized that the goal of the project is not to replace traditional cotton, but to demonstrate an additional growing method for regions facing a shortage of water or fertile land. Maintaining such systems requires agronomists, technicians, and producers, and existing workers can undergo the necessary training. The first batch of hydroponic cotton weighing five tons has already passed quality control and was processed into clothing in Spain, with the next site planned to open in India.