What is one disadvantage of using purely soil-based systems in greenhouses?

Using purely soil-based systems in greenhouses has various disadvantages, one of which is the higher risk of soil-borne diseases. In a soil-based environment, pathogens can proliferate, leading to diseases that affect plant health. Soil can harbor a range of harmful microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria, and nematodes, which can remain in the soil and impact crops over multiple growing seasons.

Unlike more controlled environments, such as hydroponic systems, where the growing medium can be replaced or sterilized regularly, soil systems often cannot expel all contaminants. This persistent disease pressure makes it challenging for growers to maintain healthy plants, potentially leading to increased crop losses and the need for more intensive management practices, such as the use of fungicides or other chemical treatments.

Other options, while they may represent challenges, do not have the same direct relationship to soil as a growing medium. For example, inconsistent water availability can occur in both soil and soilless systems, and limitations on crop variety may depend more on market demand and less on the growth medium itself. Monitoring capabilities can be enhanced or diminished depending on the technology used, regardless of whether soil is used. Therefore, the increased risk of soil-borne diseases stands out as a significant drawback of purely soil