Abstract
There is growing concern about food safety, environmental impact, and efficient energy usage in agricultural production systems. Producing lettuce under artificial lighting could be a solution addressing these concerns. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer the advantages of a narrow light spectrum, low power consumption, and little heat production. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different light sources on the growth of miniature “Tom Thumb” butterhead lettuce in a non-circulating hydroponic system. Lettuce seedlings, started in Oasis Horticubes, were transferred to net pots in containers with a hydroponic nutrient solution. The lettuce was grown in a lab under three light treatments—blue LEDs, red LEDs, and fluorescent lights. At the end of the study, fluorescent lights resulted in greater root dry weight than blue LEDs and red LEDs. Total plant dry weight under fluorescent lights was greater than under red LEDs. There were no significant differences in shoot dry weight and plant height among the treatments. Percent partitioning of dry weight to shoots was greatest with red LEDs, followed by blue LEDS, and fluorescent lights. Percent partitioning of dry weight to roots was greatest with fluorescent lights, followed by blue LEDS, and red LEDs. Leaf chlorophyll content was greater under blue LEDs and fluorescent lights than red LEDs. The pH of the nutrient solution of the blue LED and the fluorescent light treatments were greater than the red LED treatment. Electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution of the fluorescent light treatment was greater than the blue LED treatment and the red LED treatment. In conclusion, LEDs could provide an alternative lighting source for miniature lettuce production.
Highlights
There is growing concern about efficient energy usage, environmental impact, and food safety in agricultural production systems [1]
Percent partitioning of dry weight to shoots was greatest with red Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), followed by blue LEDS, and fluorescent lights
Percent partitioning of dry weight to roots was greatest with fluorescent lights, followed by blue LEDS, and red LEDs
Summary
There is growing concern about efficient energy usage, environmental impact, and food safety in agricultural production systems [1]. In reducing energy usage for crop production, LEDs are efficient form of lighting because it uses low energy consumption. Growing vegetables hydroponically enables better control of the environment including weather factors, pests and diseases, and plant nutrient management. Because a specially formulated nutrient solution is used in hydroponics, no excess fertilizer is wasted and leaching of fertilizers into the ground or the groundwater system is reduced. There is less environmental impact due to reduced leaching and less pests and diseases. The concern of food safety is addressed through better control of the environment and microclimate around the crop so as not to introduce unwanted pests, pesticides, and microorganisms
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