Conventional Cultivation Systems Research Articles

A bioprocess engineering approach for the production of hydrocarbons and fatty acids from green microalga under high cobalt concentration as the feedstock of high-grade biofuels

Botryococcus braunii, a colonial green microalga which is well-known for its capacity to synthesize hydrocarbons, has significant promise as a long-term source of feedstock for the generation of biofuels. However, cultivating and scaling up B. braunii using conventional aqua-suspended cultivation systems remains a challenge. In this study, we optimized medium components and light intensity to enhance lipid and hydrocarbon production in a multi-cultivator airlift photobioreactor. BBM 3N medium with 200 μmol/m2/s light intensity and a 16 h light–8 h dark regimen yielded the highest biomass productivity (110.00 ± 2.88 mg/L/day), as well as the highest lipid and hydrocarbon content. Cultivation in a flat-panel bioreactor resulted in significantly higher biomass productivity (129.11 ± 2.74 mg/L/day), lipid productivity (32.21 ± 1.31 mg/L/day), and hydrocarbon productivity (28.98 ± 2.08 mg/L/day) compared to cultivation in Erlenmeyer flasks and open 20-L raceway pond. It also exhibited 20.15 ± 1.03% of protein content including elevated levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids. This work is noteworthy since it is the first to describe fatty acid and hydrocarbon profiles of B. braunii during cobalt treatment. The study demonstrated that high cobalt concentrations (up to 5 mg/L of cobalt nitrate) during Botryococcus culture affected hydrocarbon synthesis, resulting in high amounts of n-alkadienes and trienes as well as lipids with elevated monounsaturated fatty acids concentration. Furthermore, pyrolysis experiments on microalgal green biomass and de-oiled biomass revealed the lipid and hydrocarbon compounds generated by the thermal degradation of B. braunii that facilitate extra economical value to this system.

Water saving rice cultivation using sheet-pipe subsurface irrigation

Water saving in rice cultivation has assumed paramount importance, especially in the context of climate change. The introduction of sheet-pipe technology in Indonesia heralded as an innovative subsurface irrigation and drainage system, is poised to revolutionize how to manage this vital resource. Our study was designed with two primary objectives: first, to investigate how rice plants respond when water levels are deliberately reduced using the sheet-pipe technology; and second, to comprehensively analyze water productivity and water use efficiency in comparison to conventional flooded rice cultivation systems. We conducted two distinct experiments: one employing sheet-pipe subsurface irrigation (SSI) and the other utilizing conventional flooded irrigation (CFI). In the SSI setup, the water level was maintained at a depth of 5–10 cm below the soil surface 20 days after transplanting to harvesting. With this setting, the soil moisture was maintained at around 85–95 degrees of saturation. On the other hand, the CFI approach involved water flowing directly over the soil surface, with the water level consistently maintained at a mere 2–3 cm above it. Interestingly, while the SSI method did lead to a reduction in yield, it has significant benefits. Our results showed that a reduction in yield was observed for the SSI 15.5–18.6 % lower compared to the conventional method (CFI). However, the SSI is environmentally benefit compared to the conventional method by reducing 37.5–50.5 % in water irrigation, increasing water use efficiency (WUE) up to 70.8 %, and improving 3.2–10.4 % in water productivity. Our findings reveal that optimizing water conservation may have a disadvantageous effect on rice yield, indicating the importance of optimal water level. Future research to find the optimal water level that balances yield production and environment is required, especially to adapt to dry and warming climate change in the future.

Life Cycle CO2 Emissions Analysis of a High-Tech Greenhouse Horticulture Utilizing Wood Chips for Heating in Japan

High-tech greenhouse horticulture offers efficient crop cultivation that is unaffected by outdoor climate. However, compared to conventional cultivation systems, energy requirements, such as greenhouse heating and control, are larger, and concerns about the associated increase in CO2 emissions exist. Although several previous studies have analyzed CO2 emissions from high-tech greenhouse horticulture, few have covered the entire life cycle. This study aimed to analyze CO2 emissions from high-tech greenhouse horticulture for tomatoes in Japan across the entire life cycle. A hybrid method combining process and input–output analyses was used to estimate life cycle CO2 (LC-CO2) emissions. The emission reduction potential of replacing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for greenhouse heating with wood chips was also examined. The results show that LC-CO2 emissions were estimated to be 3.67 kg-CO2 per 1 kg of tomato, 55.6% of which came from the production and combustion of LPG for greenhouse heating. The substitution of LPG with wood chips has the potential to reduce LC-CO2 emissions by up to 49.1%. However, the improved LC-CO2 emissions are still higher than those of conventional cultivation systems; thus, implementing additional measures to reduce LC-CO2 emissions is crucial.

Assessment of sustainability attributes of traditional and conventional maize cultivation in farmer agricultural systems

Objective: To carry out a comparative analysis of the sustainability of traditional and conventional maize cultivation systems in Cuanacaxtitlán. Design/Methodology/Approach: The proposal was implemented through a mixed method approach in which a qualitative research predominated. A sustainability assessment for the 23 farmer systems of maize production in Cuanacaxtitlán was carried out, according to the Indicator-Based Sustainability Assessment Framework (Marco para la Evaluación de Sistemas de Manejo Incorporando Indicadores de Sustentabilidad: MESMIS). Results: The sustainability level between the two types of agroecosystems does not differ much. According to the chosen indicators, TMS is more sustainable in the environmental and economic aspect, while CMS is more sustainable in the social aspect. The average profitability of TMS is better as a result of the milpa profits. Study Limitations/Implications: Family Production Units (FPUs) do not own their lands, which limits the improvement of profitability and sustainability in maize production. To this end, land distribution or support programs for landless farmers is important. Findings/Conclusions: Among the 23 systems under analysis, critical values were obtained for two environmental indicators: fertilizer application and pesticide use. Therefore, improving the use of these inputs is an important task.

Life Cycle Assessment of Conventionally and Organically Grown Pineapple in Gampaha District

Pineapple is one of the major commercial fruits grown in Gampaha and Kurunegala districts of Sri Lanka. Most cultivations are under conventional practices which generate significant environmental impacts while there are few organic cultivations (~1%). There is lack of published on the environmental impacts related to cultivation of pineapple in Sri Lanka. This study therefore aimed to quantify and compare environmental impacts of conventionally and organically grown pineapple in Gampaha District. Environmental impacts were compared using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool which evaluates the potential environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of a product or a process. According to ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006 guidelines, LCA methodology has four main phases such as goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory analysis (LCI), life cycle impact assessment (LCIA), and life cycle interpretation. The system boundary for the study was from cradle to farm gate. All the environmental impacts were estimated for a functional unit of one tonne of pineapple. Primary data for the LCA was gathered using a pre-tested structured questionnaire conducted among twenty conventional- and six organic farms. Input and output inventories were prepared during LCI phase. Under LCIA phase, impact categories such as global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication, human toxicity, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and freshwater ecotoxicity were considered. Results indicated that conventional cultivation system has significantly higher impacts compared to the organic cultivation system. Global warming potential of conventionally cultivated one tonne of pineapple was 182.23 kg CO2 eq. It was 26.72 kg CO2 eq for organic cultivation indicating 7 times lower impact. Eutrophication potential was 6.63 kg PO43- eq for conventional cultivation while that for organic cultivation was 0.81 kg PO43- eq (8 times lower). Pesticide use has resulted in 2,279.12 kg 1,4 DB eq of human toxicity, 18,331.71 kg 1,4 DB eq of freshwater ecotoxicity and 1,624,494.37 kg 1,4 DB eq terrestrial ecotoxicity for conventional cultivation while organic cultivations have resulted in no toxicity. The results highlight significant contribution of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides towards all five impact categories of the LCA. The results could provide implications for promoting organic cultivation in order to reduce the impacts on the environment in the long run. 
 Keywords: Life cycle assessment, Pineapple, Conventional cultivation, Organic cultivation, Environmental impacts

Clean Water Media Eel Enlargement and Breeding Training as an Effort to Increase the Entrepreneurial Capacity of the Paya Geli Village Community

Paya Geli Village is a village located in Sunggal District, North Sumatra Province and has good geographical conditions for the development of the agricultural sector, especially freshwater fish. The availability of abundant and easily available clean water has become a strength in the development of the freshwater fish industry in this village. The process of eel cultivation which does not require a lot of equipment and care as well as a large area of ​​land is the main attraction in terms of its development potential. Paya Geli village community. The people of Paya Geli Village only use a conventional cultivation system where the eels are simply left in a mud bath and fed with leftover food. The use of the conventional system will not only have a small impact on productivity but will also encourage a bad and dirty paradigm for the eel consumer society. The solution to this problem is the use of eel cultivation methods with clean water media and partial harvests which will not only increase productivity but also make it easier to control and harvest according to the specifications desired by the market. It is hoped that this service activity will not only increase the productivity of eel cultivation but also become a new source of driving the economy of the Paya Geli Village community and expand employment opportunities through eel farming entrepreneurial activities.

TIME-LAPSE technology in modern embryological practice

This article describes the basic principles of TIME-LAPSE technology. We report the use of this technology in modern embryological practice and compare it with the conventional cultivation system. Herein, we overview modern incubators equipped with the TIME-LAPSE system, including domestic ones, with their advantages and disadvantages listed. The main events of early human embryo development are described and rare events noted, such as abnormal pronucleus formation and disappearance, multinucleation of blastomeres, reverse cleavage, or “direct cleavage” into three blastomeres, which can only be visualized using TIME-LAPSE technology, but not with traditional visual assessment of embryo morphology. The use of artificial intelligence in conjunction with TIME-LAPSE technology for objective assessment and ranking of embryos based on their morphokinetic characteristics is given a thorough consideration. In conclusion, the article presents data on the impact of using technology on the effectiveness of IVF programs. Moreover, we herein describe such unobvious advantages of the TIME-LAPSE system as the ability to train and transfer video data between participants in the IVF protocol.

Chemical composition, minerals concentration, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids content and antioxidant capacity in organic and conventional vegetables

The demand for organic vegetables is increasing worldwide, which has led to the growth of organic agriculture. However, information on chemical composition and antioxidant activity in vegetables grown organically under controlled conditions remains uncertain. For this study, 3 vegetables widely consumed in Brazil were cultivated in controlled organic and conventional cultivation systems: lettuce, coriander and tomato. Their chemical composition, mineral concentration, phenolic compound content, flavonoids and antioxidant activity (AA) were evaluated. The analyses of chemical and mineral composition revealed differences between the cultivation systems. Organic lettuce presented higher content of ashes, calcium and potassium. A higher content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was observed in most organic vegetables. Using the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the organic tomato exhibited higher AA compared to conventional, while the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method showed higher AA for organic coriander and tomato than theirs conventional version. The correlation between bioactive compounds and AA was positive, higher and stronger for organic vegetables, considering phenolic compounds (including flavonoids) and DPPH or FRAP antioxidant activity. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) disclosed that organic lettuce and coriander were grouped according bioactive components. In general, organic vegetables showed better results for bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity.

Dynamics of Yield and Chlorophyll Content of Four Kangkung (Ipomea reptans Poir) Sequences With Soilless Cultivation System Due to Direct and Residual Effects of Vermicompost Application

The applications of organic fertilizers releasing nutrients slowly not only have a direct impact on the growing crop, but also, residual effects on the subsequent crops in the conventional crop cultivation systems. Studies on the residual effects of organic fertilizer in soilless crop cultivation are quite rare. The present study, which is a pot experiment conducted in a greenhouse, describes the dynamics of yield and chlorophyll content of kangkong as direct and residual effects of vermicompost for four consecutive plantings in soilless crop cultivation, further, compared with inorganic fertilizer treatment. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with different levels of vermicompost rates and a control treatment using inorganic fertilizer. The vermicompost was applied only in the first crop, while, inorganic fertilizer was supplemented in each crop. Fresh weight per plant per pot increases ~35 - 54% at the second planting compared with the first planting, thereafter, gradually decreases in subsequent planting. The content of chlorophyll A was found to be relatively constant, while the chlorophyll B content was highest in the first planting and, thereafter, subsequently decreased in further planting. The higher yields were found at 400 - 500 g pot-1 vermicompost fertilizer dose, insignificantly different from the inorganic fertilizers treatment.

The Effect of Organic and Conventional Cultivation Systems on the Profile of Volatile Organic Compounds in Winter Wheat Grain, Including Susceptibility to Fusarium Head Blight.

The grain of 30 winter wheat cultivars differing in terms of their resistance to FHB (Fusarium head blight) was tested. The cultivars were grown in four variants of field trials established in a split-plot design: control without fungicides, chemical control of FHB with fungicides after Fusarium inoculation, Fusarium head inoculation, and organic cultivation. The profile of volatile compounds in grain samples was determined by mean headspace-solid phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectroscopy. The identified volatile profile comprised 146 compounds belonging to 14 chemical groups. The lowest abundance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was found for the organic cultivation variant. The performed discriminant analysis facilitated the complete separation of grain for individual experimental variants based on the number of VOCs decreasing from 116 through 62, 37 down to 14. The grain from organic farming was characterized by a significantly different VOCs profile than the grain from the other variants of the experiment. The compounds 1-methylcycloheptanol, 2-heptanone, 2(3H)-furanone, and 5-hexyldihydro-2(3H)-furanone showed statistically significant differences between all four experimental variants.

Impact of organic and conventional cultivation systems on nutrient concentration of broccoli

Impact of organic and conventional cultivation systems on nutrient concentration of broccoli

Energy balance and life cycle assessments in producing microalgae biodiesel via a continuous microalgal-bacterial photobioreactor loaded with wastewater

Life cycle assessments of microalgal cultivation systems are often conducted to evaluate the sustainability and feasibility factors of the entire production chain. Unlike widely reported conventional microalgal cultivation systems, the present work adopted a microalgal-bacterial cultivation approach which was upscaled into a pilot-scale continuous photobioreactor for microalgal biomass production into biodiesel from wastewater resources. A multiple cradle-to-cradle system ranging from microalgal biomass-to-lipid-to-biodiesel was evaluated to provide insights into the energy demand of each processes making up the microalgae-to-biodiesel value chain system. Energy feasibility studies revealed positive NER values (4.95–8.38) for producing microalgal biomass but deficit values for microalgal-to-biodiesel (0.14–0.23), stemming from the high energy input requirements in the downstream processes for converting biomass into lipid and biodiesel accounting to 88–90% of the cumulative energy demand. Although the energy balance for microalgae-to-biodiesel is in the deficits, it is comparable with other reported biodiesel production case studies (0.12–0.40). Nevertheless, the approach to using microalgal-bacterial cultivation system has improved the overall energy efficiency especially in the upstream processes compared to conventional microalgal cultivation systems. Energy life cycle assessments with other microalgal based biofuel systems also proposed effective measures in increasing the energy feasibility either by utilizing the residual biomass and less energy demanding downstream extraction processes from microalgal biomass. The microalgal-bacterial cultivation system is anticipated to offer both environmental and economic prospects for upscaling by effectively exploiting the low-cost nutrients from wastewaters via bioconversion into valuable microalgal biomass and biodiesel.

Open cultivation of microorganisms in water‐in‐oil Pickering emulsions stabilized by stearate microparticles

AbstractWe report a long‐term open cultivation of model microorganisms in water‐in‐oil (W/O) Pickering emulsions stabilized by food‐grade calcium stearate microparticles without contamination. W/O Pickering emulsions were successfully prepared using calcium stearate microparticles in tetradecane. Effect of microparticle concentration on the emulsion's Sauter mean diameter was investigated at various hold‐ups. As a result, the smaller the hold‐up, the smaller was the change in Sauter mean diameter due to the microparticle concentration. It was found that Sauter mean diameter of the emulsions was almost constant for 2 months. Model microorganisms Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis solubilized in the emulsion were stationary cultivated in the air‐exposed state. The viable cell ratio temporarily decreased at the beginning of cultivation but then increased continuously with cultivation time after 28 days. Furthermore, there were no contamination for 28 days in the air‐exposed state of the emulsion solution containing a culture medium without microorganisms. It was also shown that the growth rate of the microorganisms in the emulsion system is significantly lower than those in conventional cultivation systems. Thus, the calcium stearate Pickering W/O emulsion system is suitable for a long‐term “open” cultivation of microorganisms without the use of any special equipment such as a jar‐fermenter.

Economic Viability and Quality of Grapes Produced with and without Plastic Covering

Viticulture began growing in Brazil in recent years, and this growth is due to the introduction of new techniques and improvements used in vine planting, especially the use of plastic covering in the vineyard. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the economic viability of plastic covering installation, as well as the quality of grapes produced by two cultivars, in order to compare these results with those obtained by a conventional cultivation system. The experiment was performed at an experimental farm producing grapes in southern Brazil. The grape cultivars Niagara Branca and Niagara Rosada were studied and cultivated with and without plastic covering. Data related to the costs of vineyard planting, establishment, and seasonal management, in addition to the grape revenue, were assessed. Additionally, the grape yield and quality were evaluated. The analysis of return indicators showed that the net present value was higher for the plastic-covered system, which indicates greater profitability and consequent viability of the investment. Moreover, the grape quality varied according to the cultivar and production system. In this context, it is recommended to use the cultivar Niagara Rosada for production in a plastic covering system.

A Comparative Study on Stability of Seed Characteristics in Vetch and Pea Cultivations

Stability for yield and seed quality across environments are desirable traits for varieties used for the support of livestock, and such specific varieties of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and peas (Pisum sativum L.) are highly demanded from farmers. The objective of this study was to investigate the stability performance of seed quality attributes on six common vetch genotypes and five pea genotypes. The genotypes’ stability traits were based on seed quality characteristics of peas and common vetch under low-input vs. conventional cultivation systems. Significantly positive or negative correlations between the main traits in all cultivation schemes were found. Based on these findings, improving certain traits that exhibit qualitative inheritance is expected to be an efficient indirect way to improve seed quality stability, more easily in the case of peas. It was evident from comparisons that even in low-input farming systems, varieties showed stable performance. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), GGE biplot on main traits, and AMMI analysis all resulted in statistically significant variations between genotypes, environments, and farming practices. This analysis resulted in specific pea varieties and vetch cultivars that were stable for various regions and farming systems on seed quality traits.

Can carbon payments improve profitability of traditional conventional and organic cocoa agroforests? A case study in the Eastern Region of Ghana

This study investigates the carbon (C) sequestration of traditional cocoa agroforestry systems in the Eastern Region of Ghana and the theoretical impact of CO2 emission rights trading on their profitability. The study was conducted in four villages of Suhum Municipality, two each with either conventional or organic cocoa cultivation systems. Profitability was calculated using net present value of net cashflow (NPV), benefit cost ratio (BCR), and modified internal rate of return (MIRR). Carbon revenues were calculated using CO2 emission trading rights prices ranging from 7.5 € tCO2eq.−1 (average EU trading price) to 42 € tCO2eq.−1(estimated social cost of CO2 release). We tested the sensitivity of profitability indicators with three scenarios: 300% increase in interest rates, 20% yield reduction, and 10% increase in cost. NPV without CO2 payment for conventional agroforest was 20% higher than that of organic agroforest. Contrarily, BCR for the organic system was 30% larger than for the conventional counterpart. Profitability indicators for both systems were most sensitive to the 300% interest rate. The average C sequestered was 153 ± 13 t ha−1 whereby soil contributed the largest fraction with an average of 88 ± 11 t ha−1. Total C sequestered in the organic system was 30% higher than in the conventional system. In conclusion, CO2 payments can improve the attractiveness of organic cocoa cultivation for farmers, although the paid price must be oriented to the estimated social costs caused by CO2 release rather than the currently used trading price in the EU.

Ecological risks of heavy metals in soil under different cultivation systems in Northwest China

The increasing population worldwide and high demand for food have changed the conventional open-field cultivation system (OFS) to plastic shed cultivation system (PSS), resulting in serious concern about soil contamination by heavy metals due to the intensive planting in PSS. However, there is limited research on heavy metals ecological risk after converting the cultivation system from OFS to PSS in Northwest China. Therefore, a total number of 341 soil samples were collected in Shaanxi province to measure heavy metals contents (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) and assess the ecological risk. In this study, the PSS cultivation system exhibited more severe contamination than the OFS; whereas the heavy metals pollution in different regions was in the following order: southern Shaanxi (SS) > central Shaanxi (CS) > northern Shaanxi (NS). Although the mean values of the selected heavy metals were below the national limited standard, Cd and Pb posed considerable accumulation in both cultivation systems and the growing cultivation years increased the Cd, Hg and Zn contents in soils of PSS. The results of correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between total phosphorus (TP) and Cd in PSS cultivation systems. However, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK) had different interactions with other heavy metals in each region under both cultivation systems due to the variations in crop management techniques such as planting intensity and fertilizer input. Partial least square path model (PLS-PM) analysis showed that the different cultivation regions had a greater impact than the type of cultivation system, which should be carefully taken into account in mitigating pollution risk. Additionally, research on heavy metals species and fractions in connection to their bioavailability under various agricultural production systems is advised for improved food safety.

Integration of third generation biofuels with bio-electrochemical systems: Current status and future perspective.

Biofuels hold particular promise as these can replace fossil fuels. Algae, in particular, are envisioned as a sustainable source of third-generation biofuels. Algae also produce several low volume high-value products, which enhance their prospects of use in a biorefinery. Bio-electrochemical systems such as microbial fuel cell (MFC) can be used for algae cultivation and bioelectricity production. MFCs find applications in wastewater treatment, CO2 sequestration, heavy metal removal and bio-remediation. Oxidation of electron donor by microbial catalysts in the anodic chamber gives electrons (reducing the anode), CO2, and electrical energy. The electron acceptor at the cathode can be oxygen/NO3 -/NO2 -/metal ions. However, the need for a continuous supply of terminal electron acceptor in the cathode can be eliminated by growing algae in the cathodic chamber, as they produce enough oxygen through photosynthesis. On the other hand, conventional algae cultivation systems require periodic oxygen quenching, which involves further energy consumption and adds cost to the process. Therefore, the integration of algae cultivation and MFC technology can eliminate the need of oxygen quenching and external aeration in the MFC system and thus make the overall process sustainable and a net energy producer. In addition to this, the CO2 gas produced in the anodic chamber can promote the algal growth in the cathodic chamber. Hence, the energy and cost invested for CO2 transportation in an open pond system can be saved. In this context, the present review outlines the bottlenecks of first- and second-generation biofuels along with the conventional algae cultivation systems such as open ponds and photobioreactors. Furthermore, it discusses about the process sustainability and efficiency of integrating algae cultivation with MFC technology in detail.

Water Use Efficiency and Economic Evaluation of the Hydroponic versus Conventional Cultivation Systems for Green Fodder Production in Saudi Arabia

The current study is aimed to assess water use efficiency and evaluate economic viability of hydroponic and conventional production of barley green fodder by keeping in view the water scarcity challenges in Saudi Arabia. A hydroponic system and open field experimental plot was used to evaluate the water use efficiency for different irrigation regimes. Economic indicators for both production systems are estimated and compared to accomplish economic assessment. Estimated indicators include returns from inputs and net profit; benefit-cost ratio; break-even levels of prices, production, and yield; returns over variable cost; and returns on investment. Results indicated that the yield of barley green fodder produced under hydroponic conditions overtopped the yield under conventional cultivation. Under hydroponic and conventional conditions, WUE was decreased with increasing the harvesting date. However, WUE for the hydroponic technique was much higher than the conventional one. The returns and net profits supported the conventional cultivation methods, where lower dry matter content coupled with higher fixed and variable costs incurred by the hydroponic technique outweighed returns leading to economic loss. Cost-benefit ratios, returns over investment, and break-even prices and yield suggested that growing barley fodder under the hydroponic technique is economically not suitable for small-scale farming. However, regarding water conservation, hydroponic barley cultivation showed superiority over conventional field cultivation. Further research on the adoption of hydroponic fodder cultivation is highly recommended for water-scarce arid regions, such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Comparison of nutrient use efficiency, antioxidant assay, and nutritional quality of butter-head lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in five cultivation systems

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the comparison of nutrient use efficiency, antioxidant assay, and nutritional quality of butter-head lettuce in five cultivation systems. For this experimental study, a split-boxes experimental arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three aeroponics systems (high pressure (T1), low pressure (T2), and ultrasonic nozzle (T3)), hydroponic system (T4), and conventional cultivation system (T5) was designed. The analyses of variance (ANOVA) were employed to assess yield, chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), nutrient use efficiency (NUE), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid content (TFC) and nutritional quality of butter-head lettuce. The experimental comparative results indicated that the shoot and root (fresh and dry) weight, root-to-shoot ratio, chlorophyll contents, CWC, NUE, DDPH, H2O2, FRAP, TPC, TFC, nitrate, vitamin C, and protein level were significantly (p 0.7) among the Shoot (FW), Chlorophyll, RWC, NUE, and among TPC, TFC, DDPH, H2O2, and FRAP. This study demonstrates that butter-head lettuce grown in aeroponics systems with high-pressure nozzles may serve as a potential dietary source and is rich in natural antioxidants. Keywords: aeroponics, high-pressure nozzle, phenolic content, antioxidants, lettuce DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20231601.6794 Citation: Tunio M H, Gao J M, Mohamed T M K, Ahmad F, Abbas I, Shaikh S A. Comparison of nutrient use efficiency, antioxidant assay, and nutritional quality of butter-head lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in five cultivation systems. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2023; 16(1): 95–103.