Summary
This 17-week greenhouse experiment compared five hydroponic substrates (coir, sawdust, rockwool, perlite, and a commercial cucumber mix) for mini cucumber production under identical crop management. Substrate type produced no significant differences in yield or postharvest fruit quality metrics, suggesting multiple media are viable for commercial hydroponic cucumber production, though the authors note that substrate-specific crop management optimisation may improve outcomes.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Australia's greenhouse conditions and examined substrates commonly used in soilless systems. The findings are transferable to United Kingdom protected cropping, particularly for year-round greenhouse cucumber production; however, UK growers should consider adaptation of irrigation and nutrient regimes to account for different seasonal light and temperature conditions.
Key measures
Plant dry weight, cucumber number, cucumber weight, average weight per cucumber, fruit colour change, deformation, crush strength, firmness, weight loss after storage, and dry matter content
Outcomes reported
The study examined yield (fruit number and fresh weight) and postharvest quality (colour, texture, weight loss, firmness) of mini cucumbers grown in five different hydroponic substrates over 17 weeks. Fruit quality was assessed at three harvest timepoints and after two-week cold storage followed by one day at ambient temperature.
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