Effect of calcium nitrate as a nutrient solution for hydroponic lettuce production

Aim: This study evaluated the effects of varying calcium nitrate concentrations on the growth and yield performance of hydroponically grown lettuce.Specifically, it aimed to determine the optimal calcium nitrate concentration that enhances vegetative growth characteristics and maximizes yield and economic return.Methodology: The experiment was conducted using a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system at the Nursery House in San Manuel, Roxas, Isabela, Philippines.A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed with five treatments and three replications.The treatments consisted of a commercial nutrient solution (100% SNAP) and four calcium nitrate concentrations (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g/L) combined with nutrient solution.Growth, yield, and economic parameters were measured and analyzed.Results: Results showed that the application of 2.0 g/L calcium nitrate combined with nutrient solution produced growth and yield performance comparable to the commercial SNAP solution.This treatment resulted in higher plant fresh weight, longer root length, wider leaves, a greater number of leaves, and the highest return on investment among all treatments.Conclusion: The application of 2.0 g/L calcium nitrate combined with nutrient solution can serve as an effective and economically viable alternative to commercial nutrient solutions for hydroponically grown lettuce.