Optimised fertigation improves yield and quality of cucumbers for resource efficiency and economic return in high-tech greenhouses

Summary

This field trial examined how optimised fertigation electrical conductivity affects cucumber production in high-tech greenhouses. EC 2.5 dS/m was found to maximise yield, water use efficiency, and fruit quality whilst maintaining stable physiological responses; this level also delivered the highest economic returns (31.3 USD m−2·year−1 in Australia, 13.1 USD m−2·year−1 in Qatar) and improved shelf life retention. The work identifies molecular responses (potassium transporter gene expression) linking nutrient management to plant performance, suggesting fertigation optimisation could enhance sustainability and viability in water-scarce regions.

Regional applicability

The findings are most directly applicable to high-tech greenhouse operations in water-scarce or extreme climate regions; whilst the study was conducted in Qatar and Australia, the principles of EC-optimised fertigation for resource efficiency are transferable to United Kingdom protected horticulture, though UK growers typically have greater water availability and different climate constraints. The cost-benefit analysis framework may require recalibration for UK labour costs and energy prices.

Key measures

Cucumber yield, water use efficiency (WUE), fruit quality, shelf life, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rates, electron transport rates, potassium transporter gene expression, net present value (USD m−2·year−1)

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated cucumber productivity, fruit quality, water use efficiency, and physiological responses across three electrical conductivity (EC) levels in high-tech greenhouses, with cost-benefit analysis in Qatar and Australia. EC 2.5 dS/m optimised yield, water use efficiency, fruit shelf life, and economic return compared to EC 1.0 and 3.5 levels.

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