Summary
This field trial compared full-strength (100%) and reduced-strength (60%) nutrient solutions for pepper cultivation in a closed soilless system. Whilst total yield was equivalent between treatments, the reduced-concentration solution decreased disorder incidence (blossom-end rot), raising marketable production by 15%, and markedly improved agronomic water use efficiency (+32%) and nutrient use efficiency (80–83% lower nutrient release per unit marketable output). The findings suggest that optimising nutrient solution concentration in closed soilless systems can maintain productivity whilst substantially reducing environmental nutrient loading and water consumption.
Regional applicability
The study's location is not specified in the abstract; however, the findings are potentially applicable to controlled horticulture in northern Europe, including the United Kingdom, where soilless pepper production is practised. Transferability depends on whether UK growers operate comparable closed recirculation systems and face similar water/nutrient management constraints; the results support efficiency gains achievable through solution strength reduction in temperate climates.
Key measures
Total yield, marketable yield, blossom-end rot incidence, dry matter content, titratable acidity, water use efficiency (kg marketable pepper per m³ water), nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium release per tonne of marketable fruit
Outcomes reported
The study compared total yield, marketable production, fruit quality (dry matter, titratable acidity), water use efficiency, and nutrient release rates in pepper grown at two nutrient solution concentrations (100% vs 60%) in a soilless closed system. Marketable yield, water efficiency per unit output, and nutrient use efficiency were primary metrics.
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