Effect of Nutrient Solution Concentration on the Growth of Hydroponic Sweetpotato

Abstract

Nutrient solution concentration (NSC) is a critical factor affecting plant growth in hydroponics. Here, we investigated the effects of hydroponic NSC on the growth and yield of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) plants. First, sweetpotato cuttings were cultivated hydroponically in three different NSCs with low, medium, or high electrical conductivity (EC; 0.8, 1.4, and 2.6 dS m−1, respectively). Shoot growth and storage root yield increased at 143 days after plantation (DAP), depending on the NSC. Next, we examined the effect of NSC changes at half of the cultivation period on the growth and yield, using high and low NSC conditions. In plants transferred from high to low EC (HL plants), the number of attached leaves increased toward the end of the first half of the cultivation period (73 DAP), compared with plants transferred from low to high EC (LH plants). Additionally, the number of attached leaves decreased in HL plants from 73 DAP to the end of the cultivation period (155 DAP), whereas this value increased in LH plants. These changes occurred due to a high leaf abscission ratio in HL plants. The storage root yield showed no significant difference between HL and LH plants. Our results suggest that the regulation of hydroponic NSC during the cultivation period affects the growth characteristics of sweetpotato.

Nutrient Use in Vertical Farming: Optimal Electrical Conductivity of Nutrient Solution for Growth of Lettuce and Basil in Hydroponic Cultivation

“…The EC levels of nutrient solution can affect the economic feasibility and resource efficiency of vertical farms. Some studies revealed that diluted nutrient solution can result in a decreasing yield of several type of plants such as spinach, rocket, or lettuce cultivars [27,28], and there are studies that proved that high concentrations can be harmful for the plants [16,18]. In this study, we used five different dilutions of Hoagland and Arnon [29] nutrient solution with different EC levels to identify the optimal EC levels for the cultivation of basil and lettuce in ebb-and-flow hydroponic systems.…”

“…The low EC of used nutrient elements leads to suppressed plant growth, while on the other hand, excessive use of nutrient and high EC levels does not only create higher costs for the farmer but can also be toxic for plants [14][15][16]. Due to the importance of EC in hydroponic cultivation, optimum EC levels have been the subject of several studies [16][17][18][19]. The optimal EC of nutrient solution is linked to the cultivation technique and the crops type that are produced.…”

Effect of the Flow Rate on Plant Growth and Flow Visualization of Nutrient Solution in Hydroponics

“…The effects of physical and chemical properties of hydroponic nutrient solutions, such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, composition, and nutrient concentrations, on crop growth have been well-studied [4][5][6][7]. Among such properties, the effect of the flow rate of nutrient solution on crop growth has gained increasing attention in recent years.…”

The Response of AB Mix Utilization on Growth and Yield of Several Melon Varieties (Cucumis melo L.) in Hydroponic Drip Irrigation System

“…Although the use of AB Mix nutrient doses did not affect the plant height, there was a tendency that the application of AB Mix doses of 1800 ppm gave a relatively higher average plant height than the 1600 ppm doses. This may be due to the higher availability and absorption of nutrients by plants, [14]. Nitrogen plays a role in stimulating overall plant growth, especially stems, branches and leaves.…”