Optimizing Cucumber Productivity: Impact of Fertigation Systems, Growing Media, and Nutrient Solutions in a Protected Soilless Environment

Summary

A study employing a factorial split‐plot design with three replications over three growing seasons was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of an automated fertigation system for cucumber (cv. Multistar) under protected cultivation, in comparison with a conventional fertigation system. The experiment included three fertigation treatments: (i) 100% fresh nutrient solution, (ii) fresh solution mixed with leachate at a 9:1 ratio (v/v), and (iii) fresh solution mixed with leachate at an 8:2 ratio (v/v), tested across three growing media: (i) cocopeat + cocochips (1:1), (ii) cocopeat + cocochips (7:3), and (iii) cocopeat alone. The leachate used in the study consisted of moderately concentrated, nutrient‐rich drainage water collected from previous irrigation events. Results revealed that th