Response of Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.) under Different Nutrient Solutions Grown Hydroponically with Aeration

Abstract

Vegetables such as lettuce, sweet pepper, cucumber, and celery have been successfully grown using Simple Nutrient Addition Procedure (SNAP) hydroponics. Insufficient oxygen supply is one of the direct consequences of reduced growth performance of plants grown hydroponically. The possibility of having a SNAP hydroponics aerated would be very much promising in improving the growth, yield and profitability of producing lettuce. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aeration on the growth, yield and profitability of lettuce produced under two different nutrient solutions with and without aeration. Treatments (aeration intervals) were; no aeration, aeration daily, every 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days for 30 minutes until harvest. Aeration intervals significantly increase the polar diameter of lettuce with the widest head of 12.20cm (aerated every 2 days) as well as on leaf chlorophyll content where aeration daily have the highest. Peter’s hydrosol nutrient solution with and without aeration was more cost-effective in lettuce production compared to SNAP A+SNAP B.