Effects of Hydroponic Cultivation Systems on Growth Performance and Yield of Pakchoi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different hydroponic systems on the growth and yield of Pakchoi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis). The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to compare three hydroponic cultivation systems: (1) Deep Flow Technique (DFT), (2) Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), and (3) Drip Hydroponics System (DHS). Each treatment consisted of 10 individual plants, yielding a total of 30 experimental units. Plants were cultivated for 35 days after transplanting under controlled laboratory conditions. The nutrient solution was maintained at a pH range of 5.5–6.5 and an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.5–2.5 mS cm⁻¹. Environmental parameters were carefully regulated, including temperature (20–25 °C), relative humidity (60–70%), and light intensity (200–250 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), under a 16 h light/8 h dark photoperiod. The results indicated that the cultivation system had a statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) on plant height, leaf width, and fresh weight yield. Pakchoi grown under the DHS treatment exhibited superior growth performance, with an average plant height of 41.71 cm, leaf width of 14.67 cm, and fresh weight yield of 64.8 g, all of which were higher than those observed in the NFT and DFT systems. In addition, qualitative observations revealed improved leaf expansion and greater canopy development under the DHS treatment. These findings demonstrate that the Drip Hydroponics System is an effective cultivation approach for enhancing Pakchoi growth and yield under controlled-environment conditions.