Effect of nutrient type on stability and quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa l.) yield in hydroponic nutrient film technique at different planting times

This study aims to evaluate the effect of nutrient types on the stability and quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) yields in the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system with different planting times. The research was conducted at PJ Fresh Hydroponic, Malang, East Java, Indonesia from July to October 2024, using a split plot group randomized design in time. The main factor was planting time (July-August and September-October) and the subplot factor was nutrient type (AB Mix Kryptonium and AB Mix Supernova). Observational variables included fresh weight, plant height, leaf thickness, chlorophyll content, light intensity, and others. Results showed that July-August planting time produced the highest fresh weight (230.03 grams) compared to September-October (182.50 grams), with better leaf area, leaf thickness, and light intensity. AB Mix Kryptonium nutrition gave the highest fresh weight (223.25 grams) and best plant height (19.16 cm) compared to AB Mix Supernova. However, AB Mix Supernova produced higher leaf thickness and chlorophyll content. The interaction between planting time and nutrient type did not have a significant effect on the observation variables. This study concludes that the combination of July-August planting time and AB Mix Kryptonium nutrition is optimal for high quality lettuce yields.