Effect of Soil and Soilless Media on Biochemical Composition of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Cultivars Under Protected Condition

Abstract

The investigation was conducted at the Centre for Protected Cultivation and Technology (CPCT), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi from 2022 to 23 to study the effects of different types of growing media on the biochemical composition of lettuce cultivars in protected conditions. It was laid in a factorial randomized block design with 3 replications. The findings of the investigation revealed that the choice of growing media significantly influenced the biochemical composition of lettuce cultivars. Soil media generally resulted in higher levels of total soluble solids, antioxidant activity, respiration rate, moisture content, chlorophyll content, and ascorbic acid content. On the other hand, soilless media performed better in terms of total carotenoid content. These findings highlight the need for proper nutrient management strategies to maximize crop yield and nutritional value. By understanding the influence of growing media on nutrient availability, farmers can implement targeted fertilization for their crops. Moreover, the study also considered the economic aspects of lettuce cultivation. It was found that soil despite providing higher yield and better-quality lettuce, required more resources and labor than soilless media. This suggests that farmers should carefully weigh the economic costs and benefits of their choice of growing media. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of growing media on lettuce cultivation. It prioritizes the need for careful selection of growing media to optimize lettuce yield and nutritional value. Additionally, it highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and nutrient management in enhancing crop quality and promoting environmental sustainability.