Growth and Yield of Three Mustard Green (Brassica juncea L.) Varieties in Different Growing Media Using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Hydroponic System

The increasing demand for fresh vegetables amid limited agricultural land has driven the adoption of hydroponic systems as an efficient cultivation solution. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combining three mustard green (Brassica juncea L.) varieties Kumala, Shinta, and Tosakan with three types of growing media rockwool, cocopeat, and sponge under the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system. A split-plot design was used in an experiment involving 108 plants to assess growth parameters and yield. Results indicated that the growing media had a highly significant effect on all observed variables, while the plant variety significantly affected plant height and leaf number. The Shinta sponge combination produced the tallest plants, whereas Kumala rockwool resulted in the highest fresh weight and root length. Cocopeat consistently yielded the poorest growth and productivity across all varieties. These findings highlight the importance of selecting growing media that support optimal aeration and water retention in NFT systems, as well as the adaptability of plant varieties to specific cultivation conditions. The interaction between variety and medium showed diverse physiological responses that can be leveraged to enhance production efficiency. This study recommends the use of rockwool and sponge media, alongside responsive variety selection, as strategic approaches to optimize mustard green cultivation in hydroponic systems, particularly within the framework of sustainable urban agriculture.