Growing Lettuce in Small Hydroponic Systems

Abstract

This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department presents an overview on the use of different small hydroponic systems that could be implemented by home gardeners for lettuce. Recommendations on lighting, media, and other key aspects are presented in this publication as well. Written by Germán V. Sandoya, Jonael Bosques, Francisco Rivera, and E. Vanessa Campoverde.

What is urban agriculture?

“…Hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farms can defy traditional agricultural limitations presented by seasons and soil when grown in controlled environments. However, they require a slightly different set of resources to maintain, including supplemental lights, plumbing systems, and electricity (Sandoya et al, 2021). Intensive year-round production can increase economic benefit on valuable urban land due to its level of productivity per square foot of vertical space.…”

¿Qué es la agricultura urbana?

“…La hidroponía, la acuaponía y las granjas verticales pueden desafiar las limitaciones agrícolas tradicionales que presentan las estaciones y el suelo cuando se cultivan en entornos controlados. Sin embargo, su mantenimiento requiere una serie de recursos ligeramente diferentes, como luces suplementarias, sistemas de fontanería y electricidad (Sandoya et al, 2021). La producción intensiva durante todo el año puede aumentar el beneficio económico en terrenos urbanos valiosos debido a su nivel de productividad por pie cuadrado de espacio vertical.…”

Carbon dots using a household cleaning liquid as a dopant for iron detection in hydroponic systems

“…Electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) are commonly used methods for monitoring salt (nutrient) levels in hydroponic systems. 6,7 Although these are quick and inexpensive ways to monitor nutrient levels, these methods don't provide growers with any insight on the specific levels of each nutrient in the hydroponic solution. 8 In lieu of monitoring, nutrient solutions may also be refreshed on a time basis according to best management practices.…”