Two hydroponic techniques, i.e. nutrient film technique and A-shaped aeroponics, and a closed insulated pallet system based on continuous subirrigation system with fertilizers in reservoirs to ensure a reserve within the root zone (CIPS) were evaluated and compared to the conventional soil-based cultivation method (control) in Kuwait. The experiment was conducted in an acrylic covered greenhouse having an evaporative cooling system with ambient temperatures ranging from 15 to 20degreesC at night and 24 to 35degreesC during the day from October 2005 to May 2006. The vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting of bell pepper ( Capsicum annuum cv. Yara) and strawberry ( Fragaria vesca cv. Americana Porter) were evaluated. Yields were lower in the closed systems than in the control. Significant differences were observed between the amounts of water consumed in the soilless techniques, with consumption ranging from 42.9 to 62.9% of the control for pepper and 54.3 to 79.1% of the control for strawberry. CIPS was the most promising system for protected agriculture because of its simplicity, recyclability of most of its components, and water conservation efficiency.
