Use of Seaweed Liquid Extract and Cow Urine for Lettuce Growth in Hydroponic System

¹ Department of Agrotechnology, Agriculture Faculty, Halu Oleo University, 93232, Kendari, Indonesia
² Department of Plant Protection, Agriculture Faculty, Halu Oleo University, 93232, Kendari, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: lohardjoni2@yahoo.co.id

Abstract

Lettuce cultivated by millennial farmers using a hydroponic system in urban areas. Seaweed extracts and cow urine contain nutrients and plant growth regulators. This study aims to determine the effect of a formulation containing inorganic nutrient solution, seaweed liquid extract, and mixed cow urine on lettuce growth, as well as the volume of commercial nutrient mixture that can be substituted by these additives in a hydroponic system. The treatment used contains a combination of inorganic fertilizer solution (CF), seaweed liquid extract (SLE), and cow urine (CU). Every repeated three times in a randomized block design. Results, the nutrient mixture had a significant effect on the height, leaves number as well as wet and dry weight of the plants. Lettuce planted on 50% CF+ 25% SLE+ 25% CU was the tallest when observed on days 7, 14, and 42 after planting. The highest fresh and dry weight was also obtained from this nutrient formulation. On day 35, the highest leaves number was recorded from plants on the 100% CF+ 0% SLE+0% CU medium. Concluded, a mixture of seaweed liquid extract and cow urine has the potential to reduce the inorganic fertilizers use as a nutrient solution in a hydroponic system.