Lettuce production in aquaponic and hydroponic systems

Abstract Besides soil cultivation, there are other alternative methods such as the aquaponic and the hydroponic technology. In our research, four lettuce varieties (‘Edina’, ‘Május királya’, ‘Lollo Rossa’, and ‘Lollo Bionda’) were compared by the use of different systems. In hydroponics, the direct nutrient supply resulted higher leaf weight. In addition, multiple values of nitrate (269.50–406.50 mg kg-1) were measured in this system compared to the aquaponic system (23.25–170.00 mg kg-1). The ‘Lollo Rossa’ stood out with higher element content (Zn, B, and Mg) in both cultivation methods. In conclusion, it can be stated that higher nutrient content in hydroponics resulted higher leaf weight, but nitrate values were also higher in this unit. Aquaponic technology can be used to produce high-quality (low-nitrate) lettuce with the ‘Lollo Rossa’ and ‘Lollo Bionda’ varieties.