Abstract
The main aim of this paper was to investigate the possibility of growing basil under three soilless systems (aeroponic, hydroponic and peatmoss slab systems). A model was developed to predict the nutrients consumption by basil plants. Shoot and root height, fresh and dry mass of whole plant, nutrients uptake, and oil content were studied during the growth period (after 4 and 7 weeks from transplanting). The results indicated that the shoot lengths of basil plants were 71.67 ± 2.89, 65.67 ± 1.15 and 62.33 ± 2.31 cm at the end of growth period for aeroponic, hydroponic and peatmoss slabs, respectively. The highest value of root height of basil plants was 37.67 ± 6.66 cm for aeroponic system. The dry mass of shoot of basil plants ranged from 28.48 ± 0.91 to 44.77 ± 0.97 and 72.98 ± 0.83 to 117.93 ± 1.40 g plant−1 after 4 and 7 weeks from transplanting, respectively. The highest values of the N, P, K, Ca and Mg uptakes were 753.99 ± 5.65, 224.88 ± 3.05, 449.75 ± 4.59, 529.12 ± 6.63 and 112.44 ± 1.67 mg plant−1 at the end of experimental period, respectively. The basil oil content ranged from 1.129 (1.11%) to 2.520 (1.80%) and 2.664 (1.42%) to 6.318 (1.44%) g plant−1 after 4 and 7 weeks from transplanting, respectively at the same pervious order. The production costs of basil plant were 2.93, 5.27 and 6.24 EGP kg−1 of plant. The model results were in a reasonable agreement with the experimental ones.
Highlights
The main aim of this paper was to investigate the possibility of growing basil under three soilless systems
The results indicate that the shoot in aeroponic was taller than those of hydroponic system and peatmoss slabs at the vegetative and flowering stages
It could be seen that the shoot length of basil plants were 62.00 ± 2.65, 57.83 ± 7.42 and 48.77 ± 2.89 cm for aeroponic, hydroponic and peatmoss slabs, respectively, after 4 weeks from transplanting
Summary
The main aim of this paper was to investigate the possibility of growing basil under three soilless systems (aeroponic, hydroponic and peatmoss slab systems). Fresh and dry mass of whole plant, nutrients uptake, and oil content were studied during the growth period (after 4 and 7 weeks from transplanting). There is an increasing interest recently for growing sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in greenhouse soilless culture, which offer a suitable condition for maximization of production[1,2] It is cultivated commonly in an open field with a variability in productivity and q uality[3]. The advantages of the soilless culture are the earlies growth and higher yield compared to traditional culture This system assures an equal supply of nutrient solution, so it can obtain a homogeneous crop. Soilless cultivation systems provide plant management under controlled water and minerals supply of the nutrient solution with or without medium. There are three systems of soilless cultivation namely, system with solid medium, in a liquid medium and aerated m edium[7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
