An economic analysis of soilless culture in Gerbera production

The financial effectiveness of the soilless culture system (SCS) of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bol. ex Adlam.) production was compared with that of th e soil culture system in heated greenhouses in northern Greece. Evaluation was based on budgeting procedures that assumed a project life of 9 years. T he decision to accept or to reject the investment was based on the followin g criteria: 1) net present value analysis (U.S. $18,414), 2) benefit/cost r atio, and 3) risk exposure ratio. The soilless culture system, particularly the plastic bag system using perlite media, was more profitable, Applicati on of sensitivity analysis illustrated the significance of product price an d discount rate in determining the accrued benefits.