Summary
This glasshouse trial at Wye College, University of London (1991) compared sweet pepper production in NFT and rockwool hydroponic systems over nine months. NFT systems produced significantly higher total yields and proved more cost-effective (£4.08/plant advantage), whilst water consumption and most plant morphological traits were comparable between systems. The findings suggest NFT water requirements could serve as a baseline for irrigation scheduling in rockwool cultivation.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in the United Kingdom (glasshouse at Wye College, London University) and remains directly applicable to UK protected cultivation practice. The findings are relevant to UK growers evaluating hydroponic systems for intensive vegetable production under glass, though technology and growing practices have evolved considerably since 1991.
Key measures
Total yield, plant height, leaf number, total soluble solids (TSS), average fruit weight, fresh and dry weights, water consumption, cost per plant
Outcomes reported
The study compared total yield, plant morphology, fruit quality, water consumption, and cost-effectiveness of sweet pepper grown in nutrient film technique (NFT) versus rockwool systems under protected cultivation. NFT demonstrated higher total yield and superior cost efficiency compared to rockwool growing.
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