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Vol.2 , No. 5, Publication Date: Sep. 12, 2015, Page: 196-202
| [1] | Chito F. Sace, CLSU Hydroponics and Aquaponics Technologies, Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. |
| [2] | Jaypee H. Estigoy, Agricultural Science and Technology School, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. |
A recirculating hydroponic system was constructed in an urban vertical garden to determine the growth and yield of lettuce. The system used a 35-watt submersible pump to lift the nutrient solution from the reservoir to the uppermost growing tubes which were vertically configured to move the solution in circles. All lettuce seedlings were planted in plastic cups containing non-soil media of coco peat, fine sand, ricehull and carbonized ricehull and seated on growing tubes where thin film of nutrient solution pass through. The system is enclosed in a tropical greenhouse that protects the plants from the elements. Results showed that lettuce variety Carlo Rossa tolerated an environment beyond the optimal and remained productive throughout the six growing seasons even at temperature of 25 to 35 °C and relative humidity of 50 to 88 %. The taste and tenderness of the harvest were highly acceptable to local consumers when harvested 30 days after transplanting even when sold at P150.00 per kilogram. The system costs P50,000.00 and can accommodate 560 plants resulting to a plant density of 48.6 hills per square meter per cropping. The average weight per plant was 48 g and the net weight was 26.6 kg per harvest or about 2.33 kg per square meter of greenhouse floor area. When adjusted to annual basis, a gross income of P47,900.00 is obtained. The system has a total cost of P23, 994.00 per year when fixed cost of P5,550.00 and operating cost of P18,444.00 were added. An annual net income of P23, 906.00 was computed when total cost is subtracted from the gross income while the annual gross margin was P29,456.00 when the total variable cost is deducted from the gross income. Payback period, the length of time it will take for the investment to return to its original cost, was 2.1 years when the initial cost was divided by the net income. Unit price is only P57.80 per kg when the total variable cost is divided by the total weight of lettuce. It is recommended to establish a high end market that will be willing to pay a higher price in exchange of safe and sustained supply of quality harvest, increase plant density, and optimize all inputs to maximize profit.
Keywords
Lettuce Production, Recirculating Hydroponic System, Tropical Greenhouse, Growth and Yield, Urban Vertical Garden
Reference
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