Biometric parameters of crops grown under different substrates and concentration of nutrient solution in hydroponics

Abstract

Using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), this experiment was carried out to determine the ideal substrate and nutrient solution content for the mass production of sweet basil. The research work conducted in different seasons (Season1_April and May, Season2_August and September, Season3_October and November and Season4_January and February) for treatments four nutrient solutions and four substrates is presented in this paper. The final results revealed that the height of plant was highest 36.8 cm in T2 (1000 ppm), using rock wool (M1). Among all the seasons, season2 showed better growth. The number of branches in vermiculite showed a higher value (18 no.) in T3 (1100 ppm) in season2. The number of leaves in in vermiculite (M4) showed higher no. of leaves (136 no.) in T3 (1100 ppm) in season2. The mean diameter in T3 (1100 ppm), basil plant diameter grown using perlite was higher (6.74 mm) when compared to those grown in clay balls, vermiculite, and rockwool in season2. The ideal nutritional solution in four different seasons is T3 (1100 ppm) and the substrates differ depending on the season due to various characteristics.