Application of rice husk silicate extract to increment growth of indoor hydroponic lettuce

Abstract

The utilization of backyard or front yard for the cultivation of lettuce under hydroponics system is faced with a limited sunlight duration obtained by plants due to the shadow of buildings and other city infrastructure. This research aimed to overcome the limited sunlight by supporting various concentrations of rice husk extract. The experimental research method was used by a complete randomized design consisted of four treatments: A = without the application of silica extract, B = 10%, C = 20% and D = 30% silica extract of rice husk. Each treatment was repeated six times so that there were 24 experimental units obtained. The parameters measured were the main parameters (plant height, number of leaves, plant fresh weight) and secondary parameters (room temperature, room humidity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nutrient volume). The data were then analyzed by variance analysis at 5% significant level and Duncan multiple range test at 5% significant level. The results showed that the application of rice husk silica extract 10-30% concentration was not significantly different compared to without the application of rice husk silica extract. The application of rice husk silica extract has not been able to increase the growth of lettuce in conditions of light intensity lower than 4,500 lx.