Effects of the Addition of Deep Seawater to a Nutrient Solution in Hydroponics on Growth, Fruit Yield and Quality of Tomatoes

Summary

This controlled experiment evaluated the effects of adding deep seawater (at 0%, 2%, 10%, and 20% concentrations) to hydroponic nutrient solutions on tomato production in organic substrate systems. Whilst deep seawater addition at 2% had minimal impact on plant growth, higher concentrations (10% and 20%) suppressed growth and substantially reduced marketable yield by 64–62% respectively. However, the addition of deep seawater improved fruit quality metrics including soluble solid content and titratable acidity, suggesting a potential trade-off between yield and organoleptic quality.

Regional applicability

This Japanese study on hydroponic tomato production using deep seawater as a nutrient supplement has limited direct applicability to United Kingdom commercial horticulture, where hydroponic deep seawater inputs are not standard practice and freshwater supplies differ. The findings may be of interest to UK research on alternative nutrient sources and quality enhancement in controlled-environment horticulture, but would require adaptation to local water chemistry and growing conditions.

Key measures

Plant growth metrics, marketable fruit yield (%), fruit weight, fruit number, defect rates, soluble solids content (Brix), titratable acidity

Outcomes reported

The study measured plant growth, marketable fruit yield, fruit weight and number, defect rates, soluble solid content, and titratable acidity of tomatoes grown in hydroponic systems with varying concentrations of deep seawater added to the nutrient solution.

Topic tags