Growth Stimulation and Nutritional Health of Sorrel in Controlled Environment Using Supplemental LED lamps and new water resources

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a nutritionally valuable leafy vegetable recognized for its high ascorbic acid, antioxidants. This study examines the effects of water sources and light treatments on sorrel growth in a vertical hydroponic system using a factorial experiment with three replications. Water treatments included distilled water (DW), quantum water (QW) and hybrid water (HW) produced through cold plasma exposure and magnetization. Light treatments involved natural greenhouse light (AL) and supplemental LED (SL). Results revealed that hybrid water combined with supplemental LED light (SL + HW) significantly enhanced vegetative parameters, including water use efficiency, chlorophyll index, and relative water content. The highest plant height (21 cm) was observed in the AL + HW treatment (27% more than control), while SL + HW has the highest root fresh weight (6.7 g). vegetative yield peaked in SL + QW and AL + QW treatments (with a 40% increase compared to the control(. Treatments SL + QW and SL + HW have the most Net photosynthesis rates (18.3 and 17.4 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹, 47% increase compared to the control). Conversely, nitrate levels were highest in DW + AL treatments, while nitrate reductase activity was maximized in SL + HW. These findings highlight the importance of water quality and light conditions in optimizing sorrel growth in hydroponic . The SL + HW combination demonstrated the strongest effects on growth and quality, while QW paired with supplemental light also showed significant benefits. This approach supports sustainable hydroponics in water-scarce regions, ensuring reliable food production.