Comparative study on the use of Manutec and Crop Giant as soilless media in growing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under Bataan State College condition [Philippines]
2008
Alegado, A. M. | Evangelista, C. P., Bataan Peninsula State Univ. BPSU Abucay Campus, Bangkal, Abucay, Bataan (Philippines)
An experiment was conducted to determine the quality growth of lettuce, a high value commercial crop which is hydroponically grown using Manutec, a commercially prepared hydroponics solution and Crop Giant (19-19-19). Ten treatments were used as follows: Treatment 1 (RR for Manutec), Treatment 2 (less 50% recommended rate for Manutec), Treatment 3 (less 25% RR for Manutec), Treatment 4 (plus 50% RR for Manutec), Treatment 5 (plus 25% RR for Manutec), Treatment 6 (RR for Crop Giant), Treatment 7 (less 50% RR for Crop Giant), Treatment 8 (less 25% RR for Crop Giant), Treatment 9 (plus 50% RR for Crop Giant), and Treatment 10 (plus 25% RR for Crop Giant). Results showed no significant differences among the treatment means. Findings disclosed that the two solutions used at any level are comparable from each other. Although the plants grown under the Manutec solution gave the highest mean in terms of height, weight and number of marketable leaves, there were no significant differences observed. Plants grown in Manutec solution exhibited better appearance. Crops grown using Crop Giant (19-19-19) showed nutrient deficiency symptom because as per composition in the foliar fertilizer level, calcium, magnesium and sulfur are not found in the solution. It is recommended that Manutec is still the better option in growing lettuce in hydroponics although Crop Giant may also be used since no significant differences existed between the two, but when quality produce is to be considered, the former is better. Further study is recommended on the use of Crop Giant that is locally available in the market, however supplementation of calcium, magnesium and sulfur is advised.
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