Effects of Nitrogen and Ferric Chelate on Growth of Chinese Cabbage in Nutrient Film Technique-Hydroponic System

Abstract

Effects of nitrogen and ferric chelate concentrations on growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica compestris L. ssp. pekinensis (Lour.) Olsson cv. Daitokyobekana 6083) in NFT-hydroponics system were studied. It was found that nitrogen concentrations at 100, 150 and 200 mg/l had no significant effects on numbers of leaf per plant but increasing nitrogen concentration gave significant increase in leaf size, stem size, plant height and fresh weight. The ferric chelate concentrations at 2.6 and 10.0 mg/l had no effect on plant growth. In addition, the tested plant did not show leaf chlorosis symptom and gave higher chlorophyll content than controlled plant. However, the plant grew in 200 mg/l nitrogen solution showed brown wound on leaf petiole due to cell lysis. After growing for 5 weeks, the plant showed high quality product when grew on TP2 nutrient solution comprising 150 mg/l nitrogen and 2.6 mg/l ferric chelate.