Summary
This study investigated targeted nutrient solution management in closed soilless (NFT) tomato systems to reduce environmental nutrient discharge whilst maintaining or improving crop performance. The authors compared three EC threshold treatments and developed a 'recovery solution' based on plant uptake concentration and transpiration-biomass ratio. The SP10 treatment (10 dS m⁻¹ EC limit) achieved comparable yield with improved fruit quality and 37–59% lower nutrient discharge versus lower EC treatments, demonstrating that precise, plant-responsive nutrient management can deliver environmental and quality benefits in intensive horticulture.
Regional applicability
Findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom protected horticulture and commercial tomato production, particularly under pressures to reduce nutrient runoff and improve water efficiency. The techniques for closed-loop system management and EC-based nutrient recovery are transferable, though UK growers would need to adapt recommendations to local water chemistry and climate-controlled conditions typical of UK glasshouses.
Key measures
Electrical conductivity (EC) set-points (5, 7.5, 10 dS m⁻¹), yield, fruit dry matter, total soluble solids, nutrient and water discharge, transpiration-biomass ratio
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated the effect of electrical conductivity set-points on cherry tomato yield, fruit quality and nutrient discharge in closed NFT systems, and tested a targeted recovery solution based on plant uptake and transpiration-biomass ratios.
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