Optimization of ionic strength of nutrient solution for enhanced hydroponic watermelon yield and quality in greenhouse
Abstract Optimizing nutrient solution concentration (NSC) in hydroponic systems is crucial for enhancing nutrient efficiency and maximizing crop growth, yield, and quality. This study evaluated the effects of different NSCs on physiological responses, growth parameters, yield, and quality of waterme...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07250-9 |
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| author | Md Mukhtar Hossain Yuki Shibasaki Rina Nakao Kazuki Nitano Fumiyuki Goto |
| author_facet | Md Mukhtar Hossain Yuki Shibasaki Rina Nakao Kazuki Nitano Fumiyuki Goto |
| author_sort | Md Mukhtar Hossain |
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| description | Abstract Optimizing nutrient solution concentration (NSC) in hydroponic systems is crucial for enhancing nutrient efficiency and maximizing crop growth, yield, and quality. This study evaluated the effects of different NSCs on physiological responses, growth parameters, yield, and quality of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in a vertical farming system within a greenhouse in Japan from May to August 2024. Four NSCs were tested: Enshi Shoho (control), Formula-1, Formula-2, and Formula-3. These formulations were based on nutrient absorption rates determined by high-pressure ion chromatography (HPIC) in a preliminary study. The results demonstrated significant variations in vegetative growth, physiological responses, and yield attributes among treatments. Formula-1, with a reduced NSC, exhibited increased leaf area, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, plant fresh weight, and dry weight. It also produced larger ovaries and fruits, increasing yield by 14.8% compared to the control. Additionally, Formula-1 showed higher Brix (12.00), lycopene content, and flesh thickness (154.26 mm), indicating early maturity due to higher sugar and lower acid content. Performance ranking was Formula-1 > Formula-3 > Control > Formula-2. Thus, Formula-1 was identified as the optimal NSC for maximizing watermelon growth, physiological efficiency, yield, and quality in hydroponic cultivation. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| spelling | doaj-art-ff3e7857893748cda05bc9c44350f1cb2025-08-20T03:46:04ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111010.1038/s41598-025-07250-9Optimization of ionic strength of nutrient solution for enhanced hydroponic watermelon yield and quality in greenhouseMd Mukhtar Hossain0Yuki Shibasaki1Rina Nakao2Kazuki Nitano3Fumiyuki Goto4The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima UniversityFaculty of Agriculture, Saga UniversityFaculty of Agriculture, Saga UniversityFaculty of Agriculture, Saga UniversityThe United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima UniversityAbstract Optimizing nutrient solution concentration (NSC) in hydroponic systems is crucial for enhancing nutrient efficiency and maximizing crop growth, yield, and quality. This study evaluated the effects of different NSCs on physiological responses, growth parameters, yield, and quality of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in a vertical farming system within a greenhouse in Japan from May to August 2024. Four NSCs were tested: Enshi Shoho (control), Formula-1, Formula-2, and Formula-3. These formulations were based on nutrient absorption rates determined by high-pressure ion chromatography (HPIC) in a preliminary study. The results demonstrated significant variations in vegetative growth, physiological responses, and yield attributes among treatments. Formula-1, with a reduced NSC, exhibited increased leaf area, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, plant fresh weight, and dry weight. It also produced larger ovaries and fruits, increasing yield by 14.8% compared to the control. Additionally, Formula-1 showed higher Brix (12.00), lycopene content, and flesh thickness (154.26 mm), indicating early maturity due to higher sugar and lower acid content. Performance ranking was Formula-1 > Formula-3 > Control > Formula-2. Thus, Formula-1 was identified as the optimal NSC for maximizing watermelon growth, physiological efficiency, yield, and quality in hydroponic cultivation.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07250-9WatermelonNutrient solutionSolution strengthNutrient managementHydroponicsGreenhouse cultivation |
| spellingShingle | Md Mukhtar Hossain Yuki Shibasaki Rina Nakao Kazuki Nitano Fumiyuki Goto Optimization of ionic strength of nutrient solution for enhanced hydroponic watermelon yield and quality in greenhouse Scientific Reports Watermelon Nutrient solution Solution strength Nutrient management Hydroponics Greenhouse cultivation |
| title | Optimization of ionic strength of nutrient solution for enhanced hydroponic watermelon yield and quality in greenhouse |
| title_full | Optimization of ionic strength of nutrient solution for enhanced hydroponic watermelon yield and quality in greenhouse |
| title_fullStr | Optimization of ionic strength of nutrient solution for enhanced hydroponic watermelon yield and quality in greenhouse |
| title_full_unstemmed | Optimization of ionic strength of nutrient solution for enhanced hydroponic watermelon yield and quality in greenhouse |
| title_short | Optimization of ionic strength of nutrient solution for enhanced hydroponic watermelon yield and quality in greenhouse |
| title_sort | optimization of ionic strength of nutrient solution for enhanced hydroponic watermelon yield and quality in greenhouse |
| topic | Watermelon Nutrient solution Solution strength Nutrient management Hydroponics Greenhouse cultivation |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07250-9 |
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