Seasonal dynamics of lettuce growth on different electrical conductivity under a nutrient film technique hydroponic system

• Published in: Technology in Horticulture Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Adhikari, Bikash, Olorunwa, Omolayo J., Wilson, Jeff C., Barickman, T. Casey
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Maximum Academic Press 01.01.2024
• Subjects: cegolaine bibb; leaf temperature; morphology; physiology; stomatal conductance
• ISSN: 2833-4337; 2833-4337
• DOI: 10.48130/tihort-0024-0015

Lettuce, a staple in worldwide agriculture, has gained widespread acclaim for its adaptability and growing efficiency in hydroponic systems, demonstrating rapid growth cycles and economic significance. Electrical conductivity impacts the growth and physiology of lettuce cultivated under hydroponics. Maintaining the appropriate EC level during the lettuce growth cycle is critical for optimizing hydroponics practices. The greenhouse experiment examined the response of the 'Cegolaine Bibb' lettuce variety in a nutrient film technique hydroponic system throughout three seasons (summer, winter, and spring). The findings revealed significant physiological responses to varying EC levels. Stomatal conductance (gs) consistently decreased with rising EC in lettuce grown in summer and spring, indicating plant adaptive mechanisms to varying EC levels. Contrarily, lettuce during winter showed an unexpected increase in gs with greater EC, implying a unique seasonal adaptation. Steady-state fluorescence followed a similar pattern, declining with increasing EC in summer and spring but improving in winter. Furthermore, leaf temperature fluctuations across EC levels remained moderate throughout the summer, indicating minimal influences on lettuce temperature regulation. Morphological features, particularly fresh mass (FM), demonstrated a consistent pattern of increased production with higher EC levels in winter and spring. In contrast, lower EC levels were related to decreased FM for all seasons. Overall, the study emphasizes the dynamic interrelationships of EC levels and seasonal fluctuations influencing lettuce physiology and morphology. These findings highlight the importance of considering these aspects when optimizing hydroponic environments for increased lettuce growth and yield across seasons.