Abstract:
This study evaluated the impact of different nuhient formulations on the growth and
yield of lettuce cultivated in a Deep Water Culture hydroponic system. Four treatments
were tested: A&B Solutions (T1), Kodi (T2), Albert (T3), and Haifa (T4), with each
formulation providing varying levels of macro and micronutrients. The experiment was
conducted over four weeks using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to
minimize environmental variability. Growth parameters, including plant height,
number of leaves and canopy diameter were measured weekly while, bottom leaf
length, bottom leaf width, root length and fresh root weight were measured at the
harvest. Yield parameters, such as fresh leaf weight and fresh plant weight were
measured at the harvest. Results indicated that Haifa (T4) consistently outperformed
the other treatments, achieving the highest mean plant height (20.33 + 0.26) while, Kodi
Mix (T2) recorded lowest height (I7.70 + 0.20) by the final measurement date. The
superior performance of Haifa $a) is attributed to its balanced nutrient composition,
aligning with previous research emphasizing the importance of optimal nutrient
management for lettuce growth. Albert (T3) also showed strong performance,
particularly in root length plarfi (45.27 + 3.18), likely due to suboptimal nutrient
concentrations. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in plant
height over time, with Haifa (T4) and Albert (T3) outperforming A&B Solutions (T1)
and Kodi Mix (T2) in later weeks. However, no significant differences were observed
between treatments for canopy diameter, number of leaves, fresh weight parameters or
bottom leaf dimensions at harvest. Additionally, a hedonic test assessed the sensory
qualities of lettuce grown under each treatment, with Albert (T3) and A&B Solutions
(T1) scoring the highest in taste (T3 :1.80 * 0.11, T1 :2.00 + 0.23) and firmness (T3
: 1.33 + 0.06, T1 : 1.26+0.06). This study shows that nutrients used in deep water
culture hydroponic systems affect lettuce growth and quality. The Haifa (T4) formula
boosted growth, and Albert (T3) and A&B Solutions (T1) made the lettuce taste and
firmness better. This research underscores the critical role of nutrient optimization in
enhancing lettuce productivity andprovides valuable insights for optimizing cultivation
practices in deep water culture hydroponic systems.
