A Study of the Effectiveness of Hydroponic Growing Variables on Lactuca sativa var. capitata

Abstract

Hydroponic growing in controlled environment horticulture has been an increasingly used method of produce production around the world. Its many methods integrate sustainability and growth efficiency through the control of climatic and system variables. This study investigated control variables that would produce and market a more effective lettuce (lactuca sativa. var capitata) crop. Three objectives determined: The comparison between the dimensions of deep water culture systems and the lettuce harvesting length, Consumer and ICP spectrometry recognition of different post-harvest hydroponic nutrient concentration, and the preference of lettuce grown in different hydroponic nutrient concentrations. Through growing trials and consumer tests, it was found that the 14 gallon (102 x 50.8 x 66cm) size deep water culture system also produced lettuce with larger harvest-length; spectrometry recognition of lettuce crops grown in different nutrient levels was effective with 7 of the 12 nutrients elements showing sufficient results of concentration in concentrated lettuce. Consumer identification recognition wasn’t successful with 40% of consumers unable to recognize any nutrient concentration level compared to two other varieties. Representing a diverse market audience, of consumers determined that variety 127 (50% regular concentration) was preferred as significant market influence of purchase. This research will impact future studies in effective small scale hydroponic growing and growers looking to expand knowledge of beneficial growth.