THE ORIGIN OF LETTUCE AND METHODS OF GROWING IT ON A GLOBAL SCALE (BASED ON HYDROPONICS).
Keywords:
Keywords. agricultural systems, environmental impact, resource management, hydroponic farming, soil-less systems, vegetable crops, nutrient uptake, biofertilizer application, crop yield, food production, farming technology, soil contamination, water use, organic farming, environmental sustainability, greenhouse agriculture.Abstract
Abstract
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a globally recognized leafy vegetable known for
its nutritional value and versatility. The cultivation of lettuce in hydroponic systems,
specifically using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Deep Flow Technique
(DFT), has gained popularity for its efficiency and environmental sustainability. This
study explores the effects of biofertilizers, including Plant Growth-Promoting
Rhizobacteria (PGPR), Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), and microalgae, on the
growth performance of lettuce in hydroponic systems. Lettuce plants were grown under
controlled environmental conditions, with consistent nutrient solution management,
including pH and electrical conductivity adjustments. Biofertilizers were applied at
different concentrations (50% MF + B, 50% MF + AMF, 50% MF + microalgae) to
assess their influence on growth parameters such as leaf area, leaf number, plant height,
and biomass. The results revealed that biofertilizers significantly improved lettuce
growth, with PGPR treatment yielding the greatest increase in leaf area and biomass.
These biofertilizers contributed to enhanced nutrient availability and improved root
health, promoting better growth compared to control groups. The findings highlight the
potential of biofertilizers to optimize hydroponic lettuce production by improving
resource use efficiency and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. This study
offers valuable insights into hydroponic lettuce cultivation and the integration of
biofertilizers as a promising solution for improving plant growth and yield in controlled
environments.
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