Growth and quality characteristics of spinach (Spinacia oleraceae L.) in various substrate cultures

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and quality characteristics of spinach on various substrates in a hydroponic growing system. The experiment was carried out with 4 treatments in 4 replicates, namely: (1) sponge, (2) coconut fibre, (3) mixture ratio of coconut fibre and husk ash (1:1), and (4) straw. The experimental results showed that the yield of spinach sown on both of sponge and coconut fibre were 24.6 times higher than those sown on straw substrate under the same hydroponic solution. The quality of spinach sown on the sponge substrate is also improved and get in line with the safe vegetable quality standards of the Ministry of Health.