Head lettuce production and nutrition in relation to nutrient solution flow

ABSTRACT The optimum flow rate of nutrient solution in hydroponic system can better nourish the crops, allowing healthy and faster growth of lettuce. However, flow also interferes with electric power consumption, so further researches are necessary, mainly on the effect of flow rate, nutrient accumulation and lettuce production. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate nutrition and production of head lettuce in relation to the nutrient solution flow in NFT hydroponic system. The treatments consisted of nutrient solution application at the flow rates 0.5; 1; 2, and 4 liters per minute in each cultivation channel. Five replicates per treatment consisted of 15 plants each. The flow in hydroponic systems to produce head lettuce alters the technical performance of the crop. Due to the greater nutrient accumulation in shoot and use efficiency of these elements, the highest production (g/plant) of head lettuce was obtained with a flow rate of 1 L/min of the nutrient solution.