Effect of Nutrient Solution pH on the Growth and Quality of Lactuca sativa Grown in a Static Hydroponic System

Abstract

Lettuce is an easy-to-grow and nutrient-rich leafy vegetable. It grows well using a static hydroponic system, which saves space and is easy to maintain. However, understanding pH’s impact on lettuce growth in static hydroponic systems is limited. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the effect of pH nutrient solution on the growth performance and eating quality of lettuce grown in a static hydroponic system. Lettuce was grown in pH 5.2, 6.2, and 7.2 nutrient solutions. Its growth performance was collected weekly, including plant height, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content, total dry weight, and total moisture content. The harvested lettuce was analyzed for firmness, soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity, pH, and ascorbic acid content by the fourth week after transplanting. The plant height, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, and total dry weight of lettuce were affected by the interaction between nutrient solution pH and weeks after transplanting. By the third week after transplanting, lettuce grown in pH 6.2 was 11.12 and 18.67% taller than those grown in pH 7.2 and 5.2 nutrient solutions, respectively. By the fourth week after transplanting, the firmness of lettuce grown in pH 6.2 was significantly higher than those grown in pH 5.2 and 7.2 nutrient solutions by 2.34 and 7.32%, respectively. It is concluded that lettuce should be grown in a pH 6.2 nutrient solution when using a static hydroponic system.