The plant growth, water and electricity consumption, and nutrients uptake are influenced by different light spectra and nutrition of lettuce

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different replacement methods of nutrient solution (complete replacement, electrical conductivity (EC)- based replacement, and replacing based on the plant needs) and different LED light spectra (monochromic white, red, blue, and a combination of red/blue) on the uptake of mineral nutrients, water and electricity consumption and biomass production of two varieties of lettuce (Lollo Rossa and Lollo Bionda; Lactuca sativa var. crispa) in the hydroponic systems. The results showed that replacement methods based on the plant needs and based on EC increased shoot fresh mass and yield index in the NFT system. Also, results showed that the combination of red/blue light increased shoot fresh mass and yield index in the NFT system and in the plant factory under treatment by replacement method based on plant needs. Increasing the concentrations of N, K, and Zn and loss of Fe in nutrient solution were observed in all three replacement methods of nutrient solution in the NFT system. Water consumption was decreased under plant nutrition based on plant needs and based on EC. In the plant factory, the application of LED light spectrum also decreased electricity consumption and cost against fluorescent lamps. In general, it is concluded that nutrient solution replacement based on the plant needs and based on EC and the use of different LED light spectra (especially the combination of red and blue light) can be used to reduce the consumption of water and nutrients in the hydroponic cultivation of lettuce.