Effect of nutrient solution pH on the quality of Lactuca sativa L. in a hydroponic system under struvite fertilization
Issue: 4/2024
Recevied: June 21, 2024
Accepted: November 5, 2024
Published: November 9, 2024
Authors:
P. Chohura, R. Ramut, A. Jama-Rodzeńska
Categories: Agricultural
DOI: 10.5601/jelem.2024.29.2.3372
Abstract:
In this study, we proposed the application of Crystal Green as P fertilizer in lettuce cultivation in non-recirculating hydroponics in different range of pH (4.5-8.5) solution instead of superphosphate. An experiment was conducted at Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences in greenhouse conditions in 2022. Results showed that nutrient solution pH differences were reflected in nutrients content in the leaves and roots as well as mass of plant under struvite fertilization. Macronutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium were highly available in stagnant hydroponics at pH 6.0-6.5. Phosphorus content in the leaves was found to be the lowest in pH solution 7.5 and 8,5 by about 34% lower compared to control pH 5.5. Uptake of this element was also dependent on the pH of nutrient solution. The higher pH of the solution, the lower the P uptake (42% lower at pH 7.5 and 50% at pH 8.5 compared to the control pH 5.5). Similar trend was found for K where the higher the pH, the lower the uptake of this element (by 33% at pH 6.5, 32% at pH 7.5 and 48% at pH 8.5 compared to control). A higher amount of phosphorus was found in the root system (6459 mg kg-1 dm) than in the leaves (6138 mg kg-1 dm). Micronutrients became less available at alkaline pH except boron. The higher the reaction of the solution, the lower the weight of lettuce leaves (8% less at pH 4.5, 11% less at pH 7.5 and 24% less at pH 8.5 compared to control), roots (30% at pH 4.5, 36% at pH 7.5 and 51% at pH 8.5 compared to the control) and the whole plants (6% in total biomass at pH 4.5, 9% at pH 7.5 and 181% at pH 8.5 compared to the control). Further study is needed to evaluate whether solution might struvite will be suitable for the formation of nutrient solution for next cycle of production.
Citation:
JELEM / HARVARD
MDPI
AMA
CHICAGO
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