Implementation of an Automated Recirculation System for Evaluating the Production of Batavia-Type Hydroponic Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).

Abstract

This research evaluates the efficiency of an automated recirculating system for hydroponic lettuce production, carried out at the Center for Agri-Food and Environmental Research and Transfer (CITAM). Its main objective is to evaluate the influence of this system on the growth, quality, and sustainability of hydroponic lettuce crops, controlling variables such as temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity to optimize growth. Five repetitions of the crop were carried out, monitoring growth variables, including size, weight, root length, and rosette diameter. The results showed satisfactory growth with good quality lettuces with the implemented system, obtaining adequate size, weight, and rosette diameter, with considerable root development. This indicates that the system provided the necessary conditions for crop development, demonstrating efficient use of water and nutrients, which contributes to sustainability.