Effect of Selected Physical Parameters of Lignite Substrate on Morphological Attributes, Yield and Quality of Cucumber Fruits Fertigated with High EC Nutrient Solution in Hydroponic Cultivation

Summary

Environmentally friendly substrates that are biodegradable may provide an alternative to mineral wool, which is commonly used in hydroponic growing technology. Little is known about the relationship between the physical characteristics of lignite substrate and cucumber yield. The study analyzed the effect of bulk density and water holding capacity of lignite substrate in comparison to mineral wool and EC of nutrient solution on plant morphological parameters, yield and fruit quality of greenhouse cucumber. A positive relation was found between the bulk density of lignite mats and the increase in the number of leaves per week, shoot diameter as well as leaf length and leaf area (calculated as the product of leaf length × width) in cucumbers grown in this medium. Bulk density of lignite grow