What does this research mean for the field?

Hydroponic cultivation of fig trees using coconut coir as a substrate and an electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.5 dS m −1 optimizes growth parameters and nutritional status compared to higher EC levels and pumice substrate. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to explore how different substrates and electrical conductivity levels affect the growth and nutritional status of hydroponic fig trees.

March 16, 2026

Tree Cultivation in Hydroponic Systems: Effects of Substrate Type and Electrical Conductivity on Nutrient Status and Growth in Soilless Fig Tree

Key Points

The study aims to explore how different substrates and electrical conductivity levels affect the growth and nutritional status of hydroponic fig trees.
Conducted hydroponic cultivation using coconut coir and pumice as substrates.
Varied nutrient solution electrical conductivity levels at 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 dS m −1.
Measured growth parameters including plant height, leaf number, and dry weight.
Analyzed macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations in plant tissues at the end of the growth period.
Coconut substrate and 2.5 dS m −1 EC improved growth parameters.
Higher EC (4.5 dS m −1) resulted in lower total dry matter.
Nitrogen levels increased across all plant parts at higher EC.
Higher calcium concentrations were found in leaves and roots under different EC levels.
Pumice-grown roots had elevated potassium, magnesium, iron, and manganese concentrations.

Abstract

The fig tree has traditionally been cultivated in open fields for its fruit. However, recent advancements have enabled the cultivation of fruit trees in greenhouses. This study investigates the effects of hydroponic cultivation of fig trees, focusing on growth parameters and nutritional status under two substrates, coconut coir and pumice, and three levels of nutrient solution electrical conductivity (EC): 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 dS m −1 . Plant height, leaf number, absolute growth rate, internode length, and fresh and dry weight were measured throughout the growth period. Additionally, macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations in leaves, shoots, and roots were assessed at the end of the experiment. The coconut substrate and EC of 2.5 dS m −1 resulted in improved growth parameters and higher dry matter content. Lower total dry matter was observed at the highest EC level (4.5 dS m −1 ). Increased nitrogen levels were found in all plant parts at high EC, while higher Ca concentrations were noted in the leaves and roots at low and high EC, respectively. Pumice‐grown roots exhibited higher concentrations of K, Mg, Fe, and Mn. These findings highlight the potential of hydroponic fig cultivation to optimize growth and nutritional status through targeted substrate and EC management.

Demander à l'IA

Bookmark