WATER MANAGEMENT IN SUBSTRATES CULTURE FOR LETTUCE PRODUCTION

Abstract

The experiment was carried out at the Institute of Advanced Studies of Arid lands - Ain Shams University, the experiment was conducted from the 13th of October 2016 to the 28th of November 2016 (47 days). This experimental study was designed to assess the impact of moisture content in substrate on lettuce production by using soil moisture sensors in controlled and closed automatic drip irrigation system. Experimental layout included a vertical system has been constructed 18 columns formed from white square Styrofoam pots filled with perlite (In-organic substrate), Two types of lettuce (green and red) lettuce seedlings were planted in the perlite substrate. Three soil moisture content treatments were selected as T1 = 60 %, T2= 80 %, and T3 = 100% which were controlled by the sensors. Soil moisture controller designed and programed for measuring and controlling soil moisture content in plant media (perlite). The device has been connected to three water-lifting pumps to operate them according to each treatment Solution tank filled with dissolved nutrient elements was used for supplying required water.