Comparison of substrate hydroponic systems for soilless tomato production

Abstract

The growth and fruit yield of tomato plants grown under wick type self-suction and drip substrate hydroponic systems was compared. Tomato plants were cultivated under these two substrate hydroponic systems in summer and winter seasons. Four nutrient solutions having different proportions of N and K for vegetative and reproductive stages were applied to plants raised under both the hydroponic systems in both the seasons. Total fruit yield was higher in winter crop raised under wick substrate hydroponic system supplied with nutrient solution containing N:K in the ratio of 1.4:3 during vegetative stage and 1.7:3.5 during reproductive stage.