The Effects of Initial Nutrient Solution Concentration on the Growth of Cichorium endivia var.

crispa in a SNAP Hydroponics System

Raymundo, Juancho Mariano, Dominic Alarcon, Therese Andrea Agbisit, Joshua Maiquez, Patrize

The Effects of Initial Nutrient Solution Concentration on the Growth of Cichorium endivia var. crispa in a SNAP Hydroponics System

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the effects of different initial concentrations of nutrient solution on the growth of endive (Cichorium endivia var crispa) in a Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) hydroponics system. Endive was hydroponically grown in five initial concentrations of SNAP A and SNAP B nutrient solutions (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%). The maximum concentration was that recommended in the official SNAP protocol (25 ml SNAP A and 25 ml SNAP B in 12 liters of tap water). Eight plants were assigned to each treatment group and weekly measurements of leaf length, leaf width, and number of leaves were obtained. Upon harvest at five weeks, fresh weight and total root length were measured and leaf color was observed. Results showed that the greatest mean fresh weight, mean change in leaf length and width, total root length, and darkest shade of green were seen in the plants grown in the nutrient solution with the 100% initial concentration. While these growth parameters declined with decreasing initial nutrient solution concentrations, the data does not suggest decreasing initial concentrations results in fewer leaves. The study suggests that optimum growth of Cichorium endivia var crispa may be attained if the recommended initial concentration of SNAP nutrient solution is used, and that further dilution may negatively affect overall plant growth.

INTRODUCTION

Rising costs of food production and decreasing availability of resources has prompted people to look for means to grow their own vegetables in their backyard, both for personal use and as a means of livelihood. However, the traditional way of growing vegetables in soil is more difficult and requires more resources, such as soil and space requirements for planting. One other way to grow plants without using soil is through hydroponics or soil-less gardening. The Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) hydroponics system developed by the Institute of Plant Breeding at University of the Philippines Los Baos (IPB - UPLB) is an easy and low cost method of growing vegetables at home through passive, non-circulating hydroponics technology (Santos and Ocampo, 2005). Initial nutrient solution concentration in this type of hydroponics system is very important, and may have varied effects on plant growth (Ikeda et al, 1996).

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of initial nutrient solution concentration on the growth of endive (Cichorium endivia var crispa) in a SNAP hydroponics system. Endive, a salad green closely related to lettuce, was chosen because of its availability, short growing period and characteristic loose heads where leaves are easy to measure.

The hypotheses being tested is that the Cichorium endivia var. crispa plants grown in fullstrength initial concentration, or 100% of the initial nutrient solution concentration recommended in the official IBP SNAP protocol) will have the longest, widest and most numerous leaves, greatest fresh weight, longest roots, and darkest green color after five weeks, compared to plants which are grown in lower initial concentrations of nutrient solution.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Hydroponics is the science of growing plants in nutrient-enriched solutions without soil. In its place, an artificial or inert material is used for mechanical support of the plant, which is then grown in a nutrient solution containing essential elements needed for a plant's normal growth and development (Author unknown, 2004). A plant grown in soil normally gets its nutrients from the breaking of down of organic matter into nutrient salts. However, factors such as soil properties, root characteristics, and interactions with surrounding microorganisms affect the availability of these nutrients. When there are low concentrations of nutrients in the soil, when the nutrients are not sufficiently soluble, or if nutrients are not transported to the roots, plant growth suffers. In hydroponics, it is possible to create a perfectly balanced nutrient solution by enriching water with the same nutrient salts in the right proportions. The water and nutrients are also delivered directly to the plant roots. Since the hydroponic nutrient solution is confined to a container, it does no harm to the environment, unlike the runoff from fertilized soil. Hydroponics also eliminates problems of soil-borne disease and pests, resulting in healthier plants (Jensen, 1991).

Hydroponic systems differ in form, size and type of materials used. Many need electric driven pumps for aeration, irrigation, and supplying the nutrient solution. In most systems, the pH, concentration, elemental composition, aeration, and flow rate of the nutrient solution have to be controlled while the plants are growing, making it difficult and troublesome for the farmers. The passive hydroponics system makes the pumps unnecessary, and enables plants to be grown and harvested without the need to manage the nutrient solution (Ikeda et al, 1996).

In recent years, Dr. Bernard A. Kratky of the University of Hawaii, the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) in Taiwan and Drs. Primitivo Jose Santos and Eureka Teresa Ocampo of the IPB - UPLB have independently developed low-cost and simplified hydroponics systems (Kratky, 1993; Midmore, 1994; Santos and Ocampo, 2005). In all three systems, the nutrient solution stays in the growing boxes until harvest and is not circulated nor re-adjusted. The Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) simplified hydroponics system developed by the IPB UPLB is inexpensive, easily learned, and ideal for food production in small spaces like courtyards, balconies and small gardens, as long as there is enough morning sunlight, air movement and shelter from rain. The nutrient solution does not need electrically operated pumps for aeration. The materials needed are easily obtained from recyclable materials. The system is simple to set up, uses water efficiently and is easy to maintain as long as the nutrient solution is adequately prepared. Aside from allowing for the personal consumption of clean, high quality, fresh food which can be harvested immediately before use, the SNAP hydroponics system may also provide income for family or community micro-enterprises. If used for commercial scale production of lettuce and other vegetables, return of investment can be realized within the first year of operation (Santos and Ocampo, 2005).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five growing boxes labelled A, B, C, D and E were prepared using recycled large styrofoam grape boxes. Eight holes big enough to hold styrofoam cups by their necks were punched on the lid of the box. The bottom half of the box was lined with a double layer of 37 x 40 polyethylene trash bag and secured using two-inch packing tape.

The boxes were set up side by side on benches under a roof awning where they received morning sunlight but were protected from rain. Each box was filled with 12 liters of tap water as the diluting medium for the SNAP nutrient solution.

SNAP A and SNAP B solution, each in prepared 250 ml bottles were obtained from the Physiology Section of the IPB, UPLB, with an accompanying SNAP Hydroponics protocol (Appendix I).

Five different concentrations of SNAP A and B solution were prepared, using the amount recommended in the protocol (25 ml SNAP A and 25 ml SNAP B, added separately to 12 liters of tap water) as the 100% or full- strength solution.

Table 1.

Concentrations of SNAP A and SNAP B nutrient solutions in each growing box

Growing % of recommended SNAP Box solution added to 12 L tap water

Amount of SNAP A solution and tap water added to 12 L tap water (ml)

Amount of SNAP B solution and tap water added to 12 L tap water (ml)

0% SNAP A + 0% SNAP B

none

none

25% SNAP A + 25% SNAP B

6.25 ml SNAP A + 18.75ml tap water

6.25 ml SNAP B+ 18.75ml tap water

50% SNAP A + 50% SNAP B

12.5 ml SNAP A+ 12.50 ml tap water

12.5 ml SNAP B+ 12.50 ml tap water

75% SNAP A + 75% SNAP B

18.75 ml SNAP A + 6.25 ml tap water

18.75 ml SNAP B+ 6.25 ml tap water

100% SNAP A + 100% SNAP B

25 ml SNAP A

25 ml SNAP B

The SNAP A and B solutions were added separately, with thorough stirring in between to avoid precipitation of the nutrients. The growing box was then covered with the lid with holes. Forty two-week old Cichorium endivia var. crispa seedling plugs were obtained from the Institute of Plant Breeding at UP Los Banos. Each seedling plug consisted of one Cichorium endivia var. crispa seedling planted in 1-inch thick aged coconut coir dust placed in an 6 oz styrofoam cup which had five 2-inch long slits running from the cup bottom to the sides. The

seedling had been transplanted into the cup after being grown for 10 days in a sowing tray as described in the IPB SNAP Hydroponics protocol. The styrofoam cups containing the seedling plugs were plugged evenly into the holes of the box covers, with the bottoms of the cups submerged in the nutrient solution by one-half inch, and the boxes examined for leaks. The set-ups were visited daily. The color of the leaves was observed. Once a week, the number of leaves in each cup, and the length and width of each leaf were measured using a foot ruler. The set-up was observed for five weeks, after which the plants were harvested. Overall plant growth was measured in terms of fresh weight, which was obtained by weighing the plant immediately after harvest. The change in leaf length and width from baseline and the number of leaves were also recorded as observable measures of leaf growth. Total root length at harvest was used as a measure of root health, and color was noted as an observable measure of plant health. No further changes were made to the nutrient solutions in the boxes for the duration of the study.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

45 40

Mean Fresh Weight (grams)

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 0 25 50 75 100

Figure 1.

Initial concentration of SNAP nutrient solution in growing medium (%)

Mean fresh weight of plants at 5 weeks

Figure 1.

Mean fresh weight of plants at 5 weeks

Mean increase in leaf length (cm)

20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 0 25 50 75 100

Initial concentration of SNAP nutrient solution in growing medium (%)

Figure 2.

Mean increase in leaf length from baseline to 5 weeks

Mean increase in leaf width (cm)

5 4 3 2 1 0 0 25 50 75 100

Initial concentration of SNAP nutrient solution in growing medium (%)

Figure 3.

Mean increase in leaf width from baseline to 5 weeks

1200 1000

Total root length (cm)

800 600 400 200 0 0 25 50 75 100

Initial concentration of SNAP nutrient solution in growing medium (%)

Figure 4.

Total root length at 5 weeks

10 9 8 7

Number of leaves

6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0 25 50 75 100

Initial concentration of SNAP nutrient solution in growing medium (%)

Figure 5.

Mean number of leaves per plant at 5 weeks

Figure 5.

Leaf color at 5 weeks

Figure 1 shows that the highest fresh weight was observed in the plants grown in nutrient solution with initial full-strength concentration, or 100% of the recommended concentration of SNAP A and B solutions. There was decreasing mean fresh weight of the plants with decreasing initial concentrations of the SNAP nutrient solutions, and the least mean fresh weight was in the growing medium with no SNAP nutrient solution.

Figures 2 and 3 show that the greatest mean change in leaf length and width from baseline to harvest was seen in the plants grown in initial full-strength concentration, or 100% of the recommended concentration of SNAP A and B solutions. Leaf length and width decreased with decreasing initial concentrations of the SNAP nutrient solutions, and the least values seen in the growing medium with no SNAP nutrient solution

Figure 4 shows that plants growing in 100% nutrient solution had the longest total root length at harvest, while plants without SNAP nutrient solution had the shortest roots. The total root length root length at harvest decreased with decreasing initial nutrient solution concentration. In all boxes, roots from adjacent cups intermingled with those of other cups. The roots were more dense in the boxes with higher initial concentrations of nutrient solution, and sparse in the box with minimal to no nutrient solution.

Figure 5 shows that while the greatest number of leaves was observed in plants grown in initial full-strength or 100% concentration of SNAP nutrient solution, this did not mean that lesser initial concentrations necessarily resulted in fewer leaves. At the end of 5 weeks, the mean

number of leaves weeks was greater in plants growing in 25% nutrient solution than in those growing in 50% nutrient solution. Figure 6 shows that plants grown in the nutrient solution with full strength initial concentration, or 100% of the recommended SNAP solution had the characteristic dark green color of endive as compared to the those grown in lesser initial SNAP nutrient solution concentrations, which were paler in color. The parameters measured in the study all represent different aspects of plant growth. Fresh weight, one of the often used indices of growth represents the whole system of the living plant in the normally functional state at that particular time. Leaf length and width are also commonly used indices of leaf growth (Karimi, 2009). The marked difference in root growth supports the role of the roots as an important index of plant growth (Rietveld and Tinus, 1987). The bottom of the longer roots were in the solution, with the upper parts exposed to air, while other shorter roots remained suspended between the cup and the surface of the solution. As the roots in the solution continue to take up water and nutrients, the exposed parts of the longer roots and the suspended roots act as oxygen roots which take up air from the humid air layer between the surface of the solution and the lid of the box (Kratky, 2010). These aerial roots and the roots which float on surface of the nutrient solution provide oxygen for normal root function, so there is no need for aeration (Midmore, 1994). The concentration of the nutrient solution used in a hydroponic system is very important (Ikeda et al, 1996). There are sixteen elements which are usually needed for a plant to grow, each of which has a special function in the growth and development of a plant; C, H, O, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B, Mo and Cl. Nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are the

most important ones. They are derived by plants naturally from minerals in the soil or elements from the atmosphere (Author unknown, 2003). Nutrient solutions used in hydroponics are prepared with elements derived from naturally occurring minerals. The SNAP nutrient solution, which is produced only at the IPB laboratory, is a complete solution which contains all the essential nutrients that the plants need. It is different from other nutrient solutions because it was formulated to suit the hot and humid growing conditions in our country and does not require pH adjustments through the growing season. However, the exact amount of each nutrient component of SNAP cannot be divulged because it is a company secret (Santos, 2011). The initial concentration of the nutrient solution is very important in a passive hydroponics system (Ikeda et al, 1996). Since in SNAP hydroponics the nutrient solution is no longer adjusted during the growing period, the creators of the SNAP technology have determined that an initial nutrient concentration of 25 ml of SNAP A nutrient solution and 25 m of SNAP B nutrient solution added separately to 10-12 liters of tap water will provide all the nutrients essential for
growth in the right form and amount. Amounts less than that may result in a nutrient deficiency (Santos, 2011).

Nutrient solution concentration in the root zone of a hydroponic system may vary because plants take up nutrients and water in different ratios under different climate conditions (Schwarz et al., 2002). Different plants also take up nutrients in different ways, but for plants like lettuce and endive, the original volume of SNAP nutrient solution is enough to support the plants until harvest at four to five weeks if the recommended amount is followed. Since the results showed the greatest mean fresh weight, mean change in leaf length and width and total root length at harvest with full-strength or 100% of the recommended solution, and that these parameters of growth declined with decreasing concentrations, these suggest that

ideal growth of Cichorium endivia var crispa can be attained if the recommended initial concentration of SNAP nutrient solution is used, and dilution of the recommended initial nutrient solution may compromise plant growth and health. The nutrient solution must be accurately measured during preparation, and exposure of the set-up to heavy rainfall must be avoided, since an increase in the level of nutrient solution will not only result in dilution, but would also submerge the oxygen roots, causing the plant to drown due to lack of aeration (Kratky 2010).

CONCLUSION

Endive (Cichorium endivia var. crispa) grown in nutrient solution with an initial concentration of 25 ml SNAP A and 25 ml SNAP B in 12 liters of tap water, as recommended in the SNAP protocol, had the greatest mean fresh weight, mean change in leaf length and width, and total root length at harvest after five weeks. These parameters of growth declined with decreasing initial SNAP nutrient concentrations. The plants grown in 100% nutrient concentration had the characteristic dark green color of endive, compared to plants grown in lower concentrations of nutrient solution. The data does not suggest that decreasing initial nutrient solution concentrations results in fewer leaves. The study suggests that optimum growth of Cichorium endivia var crispa may be attained if the recommended initial concentration of SNAP nutrient solution is used, and that further dilution may negatively affect overall plant growth.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Statistical analysis was beyond the scope of this study. Subjecting the results to this would give further information as to whether the differences in growth parameters between the treatment groups were statistically significant. The effect of initial nutrient concentrations greater than that recommended in the SNAP protocol may also be investigated. Similar investigations may also be done on other varieties of common garden vegetables, such as lettuce, pechay and kangkong.

LITERATURE CITED

1. Author unknown. 2003. Soil Fertility and Organic Components of Soils. In: Introduction to Ecological Farming, adapted from material published by Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, Ontario Agricultural Training Institute (OATI) and the Institute for Bioregional Studies, Canada, pp 1-28. Available from: http://www.reapcanada.com/online_library/IntDev/id_china/19a%20Introduction%20(English).pdf [Accessed: 24 January 2011]. 2. Author unknown. 2004. SNAP Hydroponics. 2004. In: Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region Practical Technology Leaflet Crops PT-200408: pp.1-2. 3. Ikeda H. , Tagami K. and Fukuda N. 1996. A study on a simple passive hydroponic system for melon production. J. Japan. Soc. Hort. Sci. 64:839-844. 4. Jensen M.H. 1991. Hydroponic culture for the tropics: opportunities and alternatives, in Food and Fertilizer Technology Center Extension Bulletin 7A 329: 56-287 5. Karimi S., Tavallali V., Rahemi M., Rostami A. A., Vaezpour M. 2009. Estimation of Leaf Growth on the Basis of Measurements of Leaf Lengths and Widths, Choosing Pistachio Seedlings as Model. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 3: 10701075. 6. Kratky, B.A. 1993. A capillary, non-circulating hydroponic method for leaf and semihead lettuce. Hort-Technology 3(2):206207.

7. Kratky, B.A. 2010. A Suspended Net-Pot, Non-Circulating Hydroponic Method for Commercial Production of Leafy, Romaine, and Semi-Head Lettuce. University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Natural Resources VC-1 pp. 1-19. 8. Midmore, D. 1994. Simple hydroponics for food security. ILEIA Newsletter10 (4): 11-12.
9. Rayburn E.B. 1993. Plant Growth and Development as the Basis of Forage Management .

West Virginia University Extension Services Dec 1993. 10. Rietveld, W.J. and Tinus R.W. 1987. Alternative Methods to Evaluate Root Growth Potential and Measure Root Growth. In: Landis, T.D., technical coordinator. Proceedings, Intermountain Forest Nursery Association; 1987 August 10-14; Oklahoma City, OK. General Technical Report RM-151. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: 7076. 11. Santos, P.J.A. and Ocampo, E.T.M. 2005. Low-cost SNAP hydroponics for high-value vegetable production. Philippine Journal of Crop Science 30 (2): 3-12. 12. Santos, P.J.A. and Ocampo, E.T.M., 2004. Development of SNAP hydroponics and its potential for urban vegetable production. Philippine Journal of Crop Science 29 (Supp.1). 13. Santos, P.J.A. and Ocampo, E.T.M. 2010. How to Set-up SNAP Hydroponics. Institute of Plant Breeding, CSC-CA, UP Los Baos. Revised June 3, 2010. 14. Santos, P.J.A ( [email protected]) 2011. Re: SNAP for Sci Congress paper. 13 Jan 2011. E-mail to: W. Raymundo ([email protected]). 15. Schwarz, D., van Iersel M.W, K.T. Ingram, K.T. and Klring, H.P. 2002. Nutrient solution concentration effects on growth and photosynthesis of tomato grown

hydroponically. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences Vol. 92, Symposium 6: 432433.

APPENDIX I Official Institute of Plant Breeding- UP Los Baos (IPB-UPLB) SNAP Hydroponics Protocol

APPENDIX II

Figure 1.

Preparation of the growing box

Figure 2. Sowing tray containing growing Cichorium endivia var. crispa seedlings

Figure 3.

Two-week old Cichorium endivia var. crispa seedling in styrofoam cup

Figure 4.

Styrofoam cup showing slits at bottom and sides

Figure 5.

Two-week old Cichorium endivia var. crispa seedlings prior to transfer to growing box

Figure 6.

SNAP A and SNAP nutrient solutions

0% SNAP nutrient solution

25% SNAP nutrient solution

50% SNAP nutrient solution

75% SNAP nutrient solution

100% SNAP nutrient solution

Figure 7.

Cichorium endivia var. crispa seedlings at Week 1

0% SNAP nutrient solution

25% SNAP nutrient solution

50% SNAP nutrient solution

75% SNAP nutrient solution

100% SNAP nutrient solution

Figure 8.

Cichorium endivia var. crispa seedlings at Week 5

0% SNAP nutrient solution

25% SNAP nutrient solution

50% SNAP nutrient solution

75% SNAP nutrient solution

100% SNAP nutrient solution

Figure 9.

Root systems at week 5

Figure 10.

Cichorium endivia var. crispa plants upon harvest at Week 5