Comparative performance of lettuce cultivars Batavia and Romain in nutrient film technique under hydroponics system

Due to the impact of climate change, modern agriculture faces growing challenges demanding innovative and sustainable solutions like soilless farming. Hydroponic systems, particularly the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), have gained attention for their efficiency in water, nutrient and space management. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a widely consumed leafy vegetable known for its health-promoting nutrients and bioactive compounds, making it a key candidate for hydroponic cultivation. The experiment was conducted at Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, India, using an A-frame vertical NFT system with four tiers designed to hold 64 mesh pots. After preparation of the nursery in pro-trays, lettuce seedlings of Batavia and Romain were transferred into the NFT channels and grown in a circulating nutrient solution with slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5) and electrical conductivity (1.0–2.4 dS/m) throughout the crop cycle. The cultivar Romain exhibited superior growth characteristics, including increased leaf area, plant height, root length, and chlorophyll content. Conversely, Batavia displayed higher fresh leaf weight, indicating its potential for applications prioritizing fresh weight. Notably, Romain's leaves showed marginally higher nitrogen content, which correlated with its enhanced biomass and chlorophyll concentration.