Optimization of nutrient formulation and medium flow using automatic nutrient film technique hydroponics system on mizuna (Brassica rapa Nipponisica) cultivation

Mizuna, or Japanese mustard greens, is a highly popular plant in Indonesia, with wide market availability and high economic price, among other green vegetables. Mizuna cultivation using an automatic nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system will produce better quality and quantity and efficient use of fertilizers and electricity. This study aimed to find the best concentration of nutrients to support the growth of mizuna and determine the flow time of hydroponic media suitable for mizuna cultivation. The study was designed using RCBD with two treatment factors, namely nutrient formulation (four nutrient formulations and water as control) and medium flow time (three levels of switch-off time i.e 15, 45, and 60 min). Growth observation data were analyzed using variance (ANOVA), then the multiple comparison test was continued with the Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) at α level 5%. Different nutrient sources in this study did not significantly affect the growth variables of mizuna, but mizuna grown in a nutrient medium did significantly show better growth than control. This study found that all of the flow time treatments (15, 45, and 60 minutes off) also gave statistically similar results on the growth of mizuna in the NFT hydroponic system.