Dynamics of micro and macronutrients in a hydroponic nutrient film technique system under lettuce cultivation

While hydroponics is considered an efficient vegetable production system, there is a compelling need to investigate the efficiency of the current generic nutrient dosing recommendation primarily based on electrical conductivity (EC) measurements. Such information is critical to fine-tune and optimize the current hydroponic management practices for improved nutrient uptake efficiency. This study investigated the dynamics of some micro and macronutrients (N, P, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, and Mn) in a recirculating nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system under lettuce cultivation. The research was conducted in an indoor controlled environment growth chamber with lettuce grown in different EC levels (1.2 and 1.6 dS m-1). Each treatment had four channels, each one with 24 plants. Nutrient solution and tissue samples were collected two to three times per week. Nutrient dynamics, including nutrient uptake efficiencies and environmental losses, were calculated using a mass balance approach. The effects of EC level on fresh and dry lettuce biomass and nutrient uptake were insignificant. Observed variations in nutrient solution composition during lettuce cultivation included the almost complete removal of ammonia nitrogen, nitrate decreases towards the end of the experiment, consistent increases in aqueous Ca concentration, and corresponding decreases in K and Mn. Average N losses ranged between 27 - 40%, presumably through denitrification, while 10 - 14% of N was assimilated into the plant biomass. The remaining N in the recirculating nutrient solution was estimated to be between 50 - 59%. The average P loss was 11 - 35%, likely due to precipitation, while 52 - 77% remained in the nutrient solution. Nutrient uptake efficiencies averaged 19 - 31% K, 12 - 21% P, 9 - 16% Mn, 4 - 6% Ca, 3 - 4% Mg, and 2 - 4% Fe. These results suggest that elevated nutrient concentrations in recirculating nutrient solutions led to losses and underutilization. Findings from this study provide a comprehensive dataset critical to improving hydroponic nutrient management beyond N and P. Hydroponic nutrient management should target providing essential nutrients needed by plants at the correct proportions considering the plant growth stage.