HYDROPONIC LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa L. var. Lalique) PRODUCTION USING COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess commercially available nutrient solutions (Yamasaki, MaterBlend, Snap, Nutrihydro, and Hydroplus) in hydroponic lettuce production in comparison to organic fertilizers (Biovoltin) with water as a negative control. The crop experiment was conducted at the Institute of Agriculture, Camiguin Polytechnic State College-Catarman Campus, Tangaro, Catarman, Camiguin, from January 25, 2022, until March 10, 2022. The study was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design with seven (7) treatments and three (3) replications at eight plants per treatment. Results of the study showed that considering horticultural growth and root characteristics, lettuce grown on Masterblend produced taller plants, longer leaf blades, and wider canopy, SNAP exhibited broader leaves, and Yamasaki with the greater number of leaves, longer roots, higher root volume, root fresh and total fresh weight while all treatment exhibited a 100% survival rate. In terms of yield, Masterblend had the higher fresh head weight per plant, the weight of marketable head per box, and total yield, Yamasaki, Masterblend, SNAP, and Hydroplus had a higher number of marketable yields, and Hydro plus had a higher harvest index. SNAP was considered best overall in terms of sensory quality attributes and marketability. Using the SNAP solution resulted in higher net return, net profit margin, and return on investment, followed by Masterblend, Hydroplus, and Yamasaki. It can be concluded that using commercially available nutrient solutions affects the growth and yield of lettuce in a hydroponic production system. However, its potential used should be further tested for verification under different growing seasons to elicit substantial conclusions.