Evaluation of Three Nutrient Compositions for Lettuce Cultivers in two Hydroponic Systems

Abstract

A greenhouse field experiment was conducted at Plasticulture Farm in MPUAT, Udaipur Rajasthan in 2021 to examine the effects of different EC levels on the growth and weight of two lettuce cultivars grown in two hydroponic systems. Two lettuce cultivars, Ice Berg (V1) and Green Rapid (V2), were subjected to three levels of EC i.e. 0.75 dS/m, 1.0 dS/m and 1.25 dS/m and two hydroponic systems (DWC and NFT). The Green Rapid cultivar with 1.0 dS/m and NFT treatment combination proved significantly more productive than the other cultivar/treatment combinations. Based on the results, for all parameters, i.e. plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, plant spread and dry matter were found more effective in Green rapid with 1.0 dS/m EC and NFT treatment combination. It is expected that the development of a good and easy-touse hydroponic system will help growers produce high-quality vegetables including lettuce.