Characterization of Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) in Soilless Farming System Using SNAP Solution Blended with Different Biofertilizer Extracts

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of lettuce in soilless non-recirculated (hydroponic) system using Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) solution blended with different biofertilizer extracts in terms of number of leaves, width of leaves, length of leaves, plant height and yield in the greenhouse under DEBESMSCAT, Masbate, Philippine condition. The experimental design used was Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with seven (7) treatments and three (3) replications. A total of one hundred sixty-eight (168) seedlings were transplanted and arranged for treatment and replication. The study used the recommended level of SNAP solution blended with different biofertilizer extracts. Treatment A - SNAP solution and 300ml of fermented plant juice, treatment B - SNAP solution and 300ml of fermented fruit juice, treatment C - SNAP solution and 300ml Fish Amino acid, treatment D - SNAP solution and 300ml Vermi tea, treatment E - SNAP solution and 300ml cattle manure tea, treatment F - SNAP solution and 300ml chicken dung tea and treatment G - SNAP solution (control). Result of the study revealed that the application of SNAP solution blended with different bio-extract gave significant effect on the growth and yield characteristics of lettuce in terms of number of leaves, width of leaves, length of leaves, plant height and yield. The study concluded that the characteristics of lettuce were significantly affected by biofertilizer blended in SNAP solution. The results of this study the use and application of Vermi tea with SNAP solution in lettuce production is highly recommended in non-recirculated hydroponic system.