Effectivity of Fe-EDTA for Improving Pak Choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) Growth Under Hydroponic Nutrient Film Technique in Indoor Farming

¹ Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Flora Bulaksumur No.1, Kocoran, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
² School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, 49 Soi Thian Thale 25, Bang Khun Thian Chai Thale Road, Tha Kham, Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok 10150, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: maftukhah.rizki@ugm.ac.id

Abstract

Urban farming has emerged as a viable solution to address the challenge of limited agricultural land. This study employed the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system, known for its efficiency in promoting plant growth and ease of nutrient control. Pak Choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) cultivation in this research incorporated micronutrient supplementation using Fe micro-fertilizer with EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) chelation. This research aims to optimize the absorption of Fe through the addition of EDTA chelates to enhance plant growth The experiment involved four treatments with four replicates: AB Mix with a 12-hour light period (F1), AB Mix with an 18-hour light period (F2), Fe-EDTA with a 12-hour light period (F3), and Fe-EDTA with an 18-hour light period (F4). Parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves, SPAD, wet and dry weight, FE content in leaves and nutrients. Among the treatments, F4 demonstrated the most significant improvement across all observed parameters. The enhanced results in F4 were attributed to the additional Fe-EDTA micro-fertilizer, which facilitated better Fe absorption due to the presence of the EDTA chelate. This improved Fe uptake accelerated chlorophyll formation and the photosynthesis process, leading to increased plant height and a greater number of leaves.