Comparative evaluation of tomato and lettuce cultivation under various substrates and hydroponic conditions in Peru

The research evaluated the impact of different substrates on the hydroponic production of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. 'Rio Grande') and lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. 'White Boston' and 'Azirca') in the greenhouse of the Instituto de Educación Superior Tecnológico Público “Santa María de Nieva - Fe y Alegría 74”. Two independent experiments were conducted in a medium-technology greenhouse. In the first, tomato was grown using three treatments: agricultural soil, coconut fiber with nutrient irrigation and a soilless hydroponic system. In the second, two lettuce varieties were grown using a NFT hydroponic system with standardized management practices. Plant height, number of flowers, fruit weight, number of leaves, root length and fresh biomass were measured and analyzed. The results of the first experiment indicated that tomato plants grown in a hydroponic system without substrate (T2) reached the greatest height (140.45 cm) and produced the highest number of flowers (28 ± 7.81 flowers/plant). However, fruit weight was higher in the treatment with coconut fiber and nutrient irrigation (T1), with an average of 68.43 g. In the second experiment, Azirka lettuce presented the greatest height with 22.87 ± 3.01cm, while White Boston lettuce showed greater root length (14.45 cm), greater average number of leaves (17.22), and greater fresh weight (117.40 g). These results highlight the importance of selecting adequate substrates and hydroponic systems to improve agronomic performance, which is particularly relevant in areas with limiting soil conditions. The research contributes to developing sustainable production systems in the Peruvian Amazon.