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Exploitation of Liquid Digestate as the Sole Nutrient Source for Floating Hydroponic Cultivation of Baby Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) in Greenhouses

Author

Listed:
  • Georgios K. Ntinas

    (Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Dimitra, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Filippos Bantis

    (Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Athanasios Koukounaras

    (Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Panagiotis G. Kougias

    (Soil and Water Resources Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Dimitra, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture relies on replacing fossil-based mineral fertilizers, which are highly cost-energetic to produce, and demand extensive use of scarce natural resources. Today, agronomic practices within the concept of circular economy are emerging and, as such, the exploitation of digestate as a biofertilizer and soil amender is extensively investigated. This study aimed at evaluating the agronomic potential of liquid digestate as the sole nutrient source for hydroponic cultivation of baby lettuce in greenhouses. Growth rate, physiological responses, concentration of secondary metabolites, and nutrient uptake were compared between baby leaf lettuce grown in digestate in concentrations of 5, 10, and 20% diluted in water (either with or without pH adjustment) and in Hoagland solution (control). Results showed that the production yield was negatively correlated with the concentration of the added digestate. Nevertheless, the antioxidant capacity was significantly enhanced in 5 and 10% liquid digestate treatments compared to the control. Additionally, the nutrient composition in the baby leaf lettuce and the reduction in nutrient concentrations in the growth media demonstrated efficient mineral uptake by the plants. Thus, the application of liquid digestate as a fertilizer in hydroponic systems is a promising practice to recover residual resources, leading to the transition towards more sustainable greenhouse production.

Suggested Citation

  • Georgios K. Ntinas & Filippos Bantis & Athanasios Koukounaras & Panagiotis G. Kougias, 2021. "Exploitation of Liquid Digestate as the Sole Nutrient Source for Floating Hydroponic Cultivation of Baby Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) in Greenhouses," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:21:p:7199-:d:670403
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vassilis Aschonitis & Christos G. Karydas & Miltos Iatrou & Spiros Mourelatos & Irini Metaxa & Panagiotis Tziachris & George Iatrou, 2019. "An Integrated Approach to Assessing the Soil Quality and Nutritional Status of Large and Long-Term Cultivated Rice Agro-Ecosystems," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-25, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Farida Hanum & Masanori Nagahata & Tjokorda Gde Tirta Nindhia & Hirotsugu Kamahara & Yoichi Atsuta & Hiroyuki Daimon, 2023. "Evaluation of a Small-Scale Anaerobic Digestion System for a Cattle Farm under an Integrated Agriculture System in Indonesia with Relation to the Status of Anaerobic Digestion System in Japan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Efstratios Michalis & Christina-Eleni Giatra & Dimitrios Skordos & Athanasios Ragkos, 2023. "Assessing the Different Economic Feasibility Scenarios of a Hydroponic Tomato Greenhouse Farm: A Case Study from Western Greece," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-14, September.
    3. Rebeka Pajura & Adam Masłoń & Joanna Czarnota, 2023. "The Use of Waste to Produce Liquid Fertilizers in Terms of Sustainable Development and Energy Consumption in the Fertilizer Industry—A Case Study from Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-24, February.

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