Summary
This completely randomised field trial evaluated the agronomic and nutritional effects of seven substrate treatments for greenhouse cucumber production, combining perlite and date palm waste with soil at varying ratios. Date palm waste-based substrates produced the highest yields, plant biomass, height, and leaf area, though fruit total soluble solids were notably lower in these treatments. Micronutrient availability (Fe, Mn, Zn) was highest in perlite media, whilst magnesium concentrations differed significantly across substrates.
Regional applicability
The study location is not specified in the abstract; transferability to United Kingdom greenhouse horticulture would depend on whether the date palm waste substrate, a regional agricultural by-product, is locally available or economically viable for adoption. UK growers would need to assess whether findings on perlite and soil combinations are applicable to their climate-controlled production systems.
Key measures
Cucumber yield, fruit number, plant biomass, plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, fruit stiffness index, total soluble solids (TSS), leaf nutrient concentrations (P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn)
Outcomes reported
The study compared seven substrate treatments (perlite, date palm waste, soil, and combinations) and measured cucumber yield, fruit number, biomass, plant morphology, fruit quality (stiffness, total soluble solids), and leaf nutrient concentrations (P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn).
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