Summary
This field trial evaluated the interactive effects of nutrient solution flow rate (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 L/min) and four growing media types (rockwool, rice husk charcoal, cocopeat, and fern) on hydroponic lettuce production using NFT systems in East Java, Indonesia. The combination of fern-based growing media with a nutrient flow rate of 1.5 L/min consistently produced superior growth outcomes across most measured parameters. The findings suggest that optimising both nutrient delivery and substrate selection can substantially improve hydroponic lettuce yields under these conditions.
UK applicability
The findings may be relevant to UK hydroponic lettuce producers seeking to optimise controlled-environment horticulture, particularly regarding substrate selection. However, the study was conducted in a tropical climate and uses fern as a growing medium that may not be readily available or economically practical in the UK; adaptation to locally available substrates and UK greenhouse conditions would be necessary before direct application.
Key measures
Leaf number, leaf area, plant height, stem diameter, total plant biomass, stem and leaf biomass, root biomass, harvest index, plant age
Outcomes reported
The study measured nine growth parameters of hydroponic lettuce (leaf number, leaf area, plant height, stem diameter, total plant biomass, stem and leaf biomass, root biomass, harvest index, and plant age) across combinations of nutrient solution flow rate and growing media type. Results identified optimal conditions for maximising lettuce growth performance in NFT hydroponic systems.
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