Abstract

PARRA TERRAZA, Saúl; GONZALEZ TERAN, Gustavo Eduardo; RUBIO CARRASCO, Werner  and  HERNANDEZ VERDUGO, Sergio. RNO ₃ ^- /K ⁺ ratio in nutrient solution on growth and yield of hydroponic cucumber. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2016, vol.7, n.6, pp.1389-1400. ISSN 2007-0934.

NO3 - / K+ ratio in the nutrient solution (SN) is considered a key factor to obtaining high yields; however, by the lack of research on the subject, its importance is subject to discussion. The aim of this study was to evaluate under greenhouse the effect of three ratios NO3 -/anions (40, 60 and 80/100) and three of K+/cations (15, 35 and 55/100) on growth, mineral composition and yield on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cultivar Luxell). The experiment consisted of two stages: first stage from sowing to transplant, and second from transplanting to harvest; in both stages the experimental design was completely randomized with a factorial arrangement 32. In stage 1, the effects of NO3 -/K+ ratios on growth variables were not significant, although the concentrations of P, K and Mg on leaves were significant. In Stage 2, there were differences (p≤ 0.05) in yield for NO3 -/ anions and K+/ cations ratios, but not for their interaction. The highest yield (90.56 t ha-1) was obtained with the intermediate ratio (60/100 NO3 -/anions), while for K+/ cations the highest yield (83.40 t ha-1) was also obtained with the intermediate ratio (35/100). With high ratios of NO3 -/anions and K+/ cations, yields decreased 9.98 and 31.84%, respectively, so it is essential to have balance in the management of NO3 -/anions and K+/cations ratios in the SN to not alter nutrient concentrations in leaves and reduce the yield of cucumber grown in hydroponics.

Keywords : Cucumis sativus; N/K ratio; nitrate/anions ratio; potassium/cation ratio; yield.

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