Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth, yield and quality response to nitrogen fertilization in a non-circulating hydroponic system

• Published in: Journal of plant nutrition Vol. 39; no. 12; pp. 1766 - 1775
• Main Authors: Mahlangu, R. I. S., Maboko, M. M., Sivakumar, D., Soundy, P., Jifon, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Taylor & Francis 14.10.2016; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Ascorbic acid; chlorophyll; Lactuca sativa; leafy green; nitrogen; total phenols; yield
• ISSN: 0190-4167; 1532-4087
• DOI: 10.1080/01904167.2016.1187739

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilization rate on growth and quality of leafy lettuce grown during the winter season in non-circulating hydroponic system. Plants were subjected to seven nitrogen (N) concentrations, i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mg L −1 N using ammonium nitrate. Nitrogen treatments did not have a significant effect on leaf fresh and dry mass, root fresh and dry mass, number leaves and leaf area. Leaf ascorbic acid and total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity peaked at 100 and 120 mg L −1 N, whereas leaf chlorophyll concentration linearly increased with increasing N application. The results indicate that a solution N concentration of 100 and 120 mg L −1 may be sufficient to improve growth, yield and quality parameters of leafy lettuce grown in non-circulating hydroponic system.