Alternative growing media to increase growth performance and quality of Amaranthus, broccoli, watercress, alfalfa, mung bean, and pea shoot microgreens

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of alternative growing media cocopeat (from coconut industry waste) and rockwool on the growth as well as the quality of microgreens of vegetables such as amaranthus (Amaranthus hybridus L.), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var.Italica), watercress (Nasturtium officinale), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and microgreen of grain crops such as mung bean (Vigna radiata), and pea shoot (Pisum sativum L).This study involved the Factorial Randomized Group Design method, which consisted of two factors.The first factor was planting media, which consisted of two levels: organic cocopeat media (C) and inorganic rockwool media (R).The second factor was the type of seed consisting of Amaranth sp.(Am), broccoli (B), watercress (W), alfalfa (Al), mung beans (M), and peas (P).Each treatment combination was repeated three times.Harvesting was done 10 days after planting by cutting the plant stem at the root collar.The growth and yield variables observed included plant height, total root length, fresh weight and dry weight of crown as well as fresh weight and dry weight of roots, moisture content, chlorophyll content, total dissolved solids, and vitamin C content.The results showed that the best medium for all microgreens tested was cocopeat.Microgreen mung beans had faster growth and the best crown as well as root fresh weight in microgreen watercress and alfalfa.Broccoli had better quality than other microgreens in terms of moisture content, total chlorophyll, TDS, and vitamin C.This microgreen cultivation of nutrient-rich crops is crucial for food security.