Producción hidropónica de Lactuca sativa var. Crespa bajo sistemas hidropónicos NFT y DWC en invernadero

Abstract

In a context where hydroponics is advancing toward increasingly precise and efficient models, comparing the actual performance of its systems becomes a key step in improving the productivity of high-value crops such as curly lettuce. The present study aimed to evaluate the production of Lactuca sativa var. Crespa under two hydroponic systems: the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Deep Water Culture (DWC), in greenhouse conditions in the Llacao parish, Cuenca, Ecuador. A completely randomized design was applied, with two treatments and five replications, using a planting density of 20 cm × 20 cm. Growth and development variables (plant height and number of leaves) and yield variables (fresh and dry weight) were analyzed through normality tests, homogeneity of variance, Student’s t-test, and the Mann–Whitney U test, with a significance level of 5%. The results showed significant differences in plant height and fresh weight, with higher values in the NFT system, while the number of leaves and dry weight did not show statistical differences. Plants grown in NFT reached an average height of 273 mm and a fresh weight of 251 g, compared to 227 mm and 103 g in DWC, with the better performance attributed to greater root oxygenation and constant recirculation of the nutrient solution. It is concluded that the NFT system enhances the physiological and morphological efficiency of curly lettuce, positioning itself as the most suitable alternative for intensive production under controlled conditions.