José Manuel Gajardo

Mr. José Manuel Gajardo

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
3 October 2026 in Agronomy
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JGJosé Manuel Gajardo
José Manuel Gajardo
Fernando Fuentes-PeñaililloFernando Fuentes-Peñailillo
Fernando Fuentes-Peñailillo
PMPaula Manriquez
Paula Manriquez
GSGilda Carrasco Silva
Gilda Carrasco Silva
Greenhouse tomato production in closed and semi-closed soilless systems can reduce water and fertilizer losses, but drainage reuse requires coordinated chemical, sanitary, and nutritional control. This review critically synthesizes evidence on drainage characterization, disinfection, nutrient reconditioning, and digital monitoring, with emphasis on coir-based systems. Structured searches of Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and PubMed were complemented by Google Scholar and reference-list screening. Evidence was classified as direct, related, transferable, or contextual according to its relevance to coir-grown tomato. Electrical conductivity and pH are necessary but insufficient because crop uptake, source-water quality, and substrate exchange processes alter individual ions. UV-based treatments can provide effective disinfection when dose, turbidity, flow, and target organism are controlled, whereas hydrogen peroxide is better supported as a complementary treatment. ToBRFV persistence in water requires virus-specific validation, and potential substrate- or biofilm-associated reservoirs remain insufficiently quantified. Only one study in the key-evidence matrix met the strict definition of direct evidence for coir-grown tomato with drainage recovery or recirculation; most sodium-management, disinfection, and monitoring evidence was therefore related or transferable. Safe reuse depends on a monitored, multi-barrier management chain with managed partial renewal when chemical or sanitary risks cannot be adequately controlled.

21 August 2026 in Horticulturae
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GSGilda Carrasco Silva
Gilda Carrasco Silva
PMPaula Manriquez
Paula Manriquez
JGJosé Manuel Gajardo
José Manuel Gajardo
PGPabla Andrea Rebolledo Gonzalez
Pabla Andrea Rebolledo Gonzalez
Fernando Fuentes-PeñaililloFernando Fuentes-Peñailillo
Fernando Fuentes-Peñailillo
Soilless Culture has changed rapidly over the past decades, driven by advances in hydroponics, protected cultivation, environmental monitoring, vertical farming, and more sustainable production practices. These developments have also created new demands for undergraduate education, particularly in disciplines where scientific knowledge and technology evolve continuously. This study examined the longitudinal development of an undergraduate Soilless Culture course at Universidad de Talca, Chile, over more than twenty-five years. A retrospective longitudinal case study was conducted using institutional records, course syllabi, teaching materials, assessment instruments, practical activities, infrastructure records, and anonymized student performance data. Changes in scientific content, practical learning environments, competency development, and assessment strategies were analyzed, while final-grade records from 2021 to 2025 were summarized descriptively. Over time, the course evolved from a predominantly hydroponics-based approach to a broader curriculum incorporating substrate cultivation, recirculating nutrient solutions, and protected cultivation, toward practical work involving microgreens in floating-tray systems, nutrient solution formulation, substrate-based seedling systems, and the design or operation of recirculating NFT systems and introductory activities related to vertical farming. Practical learning environments expanded alongside disciplinary advances, and assessment progressively shifted toward authentic activities requiring students to apply technical knowledge, solve problems, justify management decisions, and communicate scientific information. Student performance remained consistently satisfactory despite the increasing complexity of the curriculum. The findings demonstrate that the long-term relevance of a specialized horticultural curriculum can be maintained through continuous evidence-informed revision rather than isolated major reforms. Unlike previous reports focused on individual educational interventions, this study documents how sustained curriculum renewal over more than two decades can preserve disciplinary coherence while progressively incorporating scientific advances, technological innovation, experiential learning, and professional competency development.