Growth, yield and chemical composition of cucumber as affected by using compost tea under nutrient film technique

Summary

This greenhouse experiment compared two compost tea extracts (from chicken manure and commercial compost) against inorganic Hoagland nutrient solution for cucumber production under Nutrient Film Technique hydroponic systems in Egypt. Whilst inorganic solution achieved highest vegetative growth and yield, chicken compost tea produced fruits with elevated vitamin C and substantially lower nitrate accumulation, suggesting potential for safer organic cucumber production despite modest yield penalties. Post-harvest quality (firmness and storage stability) favoured the inorganic treatment.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted in Egypt under controlled greenhouse conditions. Findings may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom outdoor or field conditions; however, the methodology and approach to comparing organic versus conventional nutrient sources in soilless systems is relevant to UK horticultural producers, particularly those using NFT or other hydroponic systems. UK growers interested in organic certification or nitrate reduction would find the compost tea approach of potential interest, though local adaptation trials would be necessary given climate and crop variety differences.

Key measures

Plant height, leaf number, chlorophyll reading, fresh and dry biomass, total yield, vitamin C content, titratable acidity, nitrate content, calcium content, fruit firmness, post-harvest weight loss percentage

Outcomes reported

The study measured plant growth parameters (height, leaf number, chlorophyll, biomass), cucumber yield, and fruit quality traits (vitamin C, titratable acidity, nitrate content, calcium, firmness, post-harvest weight loss) under three nutrient supply regimes. Inorganic Hoagland solution produced highest yield and growth, whilst compost teas reduced nitrate accumulation in fruits but also reduced biomass and post-harvest quality.

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