ISHS Acta Horticulturae 548: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
GREENHOUSE BELL PEPPER CULTIVATION IN LOW COST HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS |
| Authors: | W.H. Schnitzler, H. Heuberger |
| Keywords: | Capsicum annuum, hydroponics, substrate culture, wood fibres, protected cultivation |
| Abstract:
Wood fibres have shown good results as substrates for growing vegetables in hydroponics. However, for extended cultivation, salinity may become a problem. It must be counteracted by keeping EC-values below 5.0 mScm-1. This was achieved by low cost fertigation systems with good drainage. Treatments in test consisted of 1. two different irrigation strategies (A. controlled via light sum; B. continuous flow of nutrient solution in 25 min intervals and 5 min break) combined with 2. three different containers (a. and b. self constructed trough with drip irrigation (a) and nutrient solution flowing in the gutter (b), respectively; c. 10 l plastic buckets with drip irrigation; d. growbag with drip irrigation). Marketable and grade-1 yield of bell pepper cultivar `Spartacus´ (DeRuiter) was highest in light intensity controlled fertigation regardless of container types. With continuous flow, grade-1 fruit yield was highest in buckets with drip irrigation. Continuous flow produced the least number of non-marketable fruit (mainly due to blossom end rot and malformation). There was also better plant development (height of plants) in the light controlled nutrient flow treatment with most compact plants in troughs with continuous flow system which did not necessarily correspond with yield and quality of fruit. Plant roots in irrigation strategy B displayed fairly pronounced brown discoloration, with the least in buckets. A reduction of the amount of water in the continuous flow system towards the end of the growing period could most probably improve root development. Depending on local conditions, the most simple hydroponic system with continuous flow of nutrient solution in self constructed troughs could well prove most cost attractive. | |
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