Influence of the Nitrate-N to Ammonium-N Ratio on Relative Growth Rate and Crude Protein Content in the Duckweeds <i>Lemna minor</i> and <i>Wolffiella hyalina</i>
2021
Finn Petersen | Johannes Demann | Dina Restemeyer | Andreas Ulbrich | Hans-Werner Olfs | Heiner Westendarp | Klaus-Jürgen Appenroth
In order to produce protein-rich duckweed for human and animal consumption, a stable cultivation process, including an optimal nutrient supply for each species, must be implemented. Modified nutrient media, based on the N-medium for duckweed cultivation, were tested on the relative growth rate (RGR) and crude protein content (CPC) of <i>Lemna minor</i> and <i>Wolffiella hyalina</i>, as well as the decrease of nitrate-N and ammonium-N in the media. Five different nitrate-N to ammonium-N molar ratios were diluted to 10% and 50% of the original N-medium concentration. The media mainly consisted of agricultural fertilizers. A ratio of 75% nitrate-N and 25% ammonium-N, with a dilution of 50%, yielded the best results for both species. Based on the dry weight (DW), <i>L. minor</i> achieved a RGR of 0.23 ± 0.009 d<sup>−1</sup> and a CPC of 37.8 ± 0.42%, while <i>W. hyalina</i>’s maximum RGR was 0.22 ± 0.017 d<sup>−1</sup>, with a CPC of 43.9 ± 0.34%. The relative protein yield per week and m<sup>2</sup> was highest at this ratio and dilution, as well as the ammonium-N decrease in the corresponding medium. These results could be implemented in duckweed research and applications if a high protein content or protein yield is the aim.
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