Date of Graduation

12-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Horticulture

Advisor/Mentor

Evans, Michael

Committee Member/Reader

Rom, Curt R.

Committee Member/Second Reader

Hensley, David

Abstract

The affects of different nutrient concentrations on komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis 'Komatsuna') grown in a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system were observed. Nutrient concentrations, measured by electrical conductivity (E.C.) in mS/cm, influenced plant height, leaf area, and plant fresh weight. The lowest measurements for each of these parameters were observed at the lowest E.C. of 1.0. mS/cm. As E.C. was increased from 1.0 to 1.2 mS/cm, measurements for shoot fresh weight and shoot height trended higher. Total leaf area increased as the E.C. was increased from 1.0 to 1.4 mS/cm, decreased as the E.C. was increased up to 1.6 mS/cm, and then increased again as the E.C. was increased further to 1.8 mS/cm. It was observed that as E.C. increased past 1.2 mS/cm, the incidence of cupping intensified, and leaves began to appear disfigured. This may have especially affected leaf area in higher E.C. treatment groups. Number of leaves per plant did not show statistical variance.

Keywords

Agriculture; Horticulture; Agriculture; Plant Culture

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