Summary
This field trial compared four soilless substrates for cucumber production under greenhouse conditions in Italy, finding that coir, perlite, and pumice produced higher yields than rockwool, whilst fruit quality parameters were largely unaffected. Substrate choice significantly influenced mineral uptake patterns, with coir accumulating higher K, Na, P and Mg, whilst perlite and pumice favoured Ca accumulation, likely reflecting the chemical and physical properties of each substrate and their interaction with nutrient solution composition.
Regional applicability
The findings are relevant to protected horticulture in the United Kingdom, particularly for commercial greenhouse cucumber production systems. Substrate selection is a key decision variable in soilless horticulture here; however, UK growers should consider that substrate performance may vary with local water chemistry, greenhouse climate conditions, and cultivar choice.
Key measures
Yield, dry weight of leaves/stems/fruits, dry matter content, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, and concentrations of K, Na, Ca, P, and Mg in nutrient solution, leaves, and fruits
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated how four different growing substrates (rockwool, pumice, perlite, and coir) affected cucumber yield, fruit quality parameters, and plant mineral accumulation under soilless greenhouse conditions. Measurements included plant growth, dry matter production, fruit quality attributes, and tissue concentrations of key minerals.
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