Irrigation Method of Nutrient Solution Affect Growth and Yield of Paprika 'Veyron' Grown in Rockwool and Phenolic Foam Slabs

Summary

This hydroponic trial evaluated irrigation scheduling strategies for paprika 'Veyron' grown in two substrate types—rockwool and phenolic foam—to optimise both yield and fruit quality. Three irrigation regimens varying in volume (80–100 mL) and trigger (90–100 J·cm⁻² accumulated solar radiation) were tested, with the 90-90 treatment (90 J·cm⁻² trigger, 90 mL per plant) delivering the highest marketable yield despite the 90-80 treatment producing the most total fruits. The findings suggest that irrigation method must be matched to substrate properties, as phenolic foam maintained higher electrical conductivity but lower water content than rockwool under equivalent regimens.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted in South Korea and addresses hydroponic paprika production using specialised growing media. Findings may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom horticulture, where paprika is typically produced under glass in commercial settings with established irrigation protocols; however, the methodological approach to optimising irrigation scheduling in substrate-based systems could inform UK research into alternative growing media or water-efficient production methods.

Key measures

Drain percentage, water content and electrical conductivity of growing media, plant height, leaf size, fruit size and weight, number of fruits harvested per plant, marketable and non-marketable fruit yield

Outcomes reported

The study compared three irrigation regimens (100-100, 90-90, 90-80 mL per plant at 100, 90, 90 J·cm⁻² accumulated radiation) for paprika grown in rockwool versus phenolic foam slabs, measuring plant growth, fruit yield, and substrate moisture and electrical conductivity. Optimal yield was achieved with the 90-90 treatment, whilst the 90-80 treatment maximised fruit number but increased unmarketable fruit.

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