Link
Publication
- Journal: Horticultural Science and Technology (원예과학기술지), Vol. 44, No. 5, pp. 690–701 (2026)
- Korean title: 저온기 박막경과 분무경 시스템에서 양액 가온 온도가 상추의 뿌리 발달과 수량에 미치는 영향
- Authors: Se Jin Kim, Mi Young Lim, Joo Hee Nam, Myeong Suk Kim, Gyeong Lee Choi, Mi Young Roh, Dong Pil Kim
- DOI: 10.7235/HORT.20260024
Summary
In winter, low root-zone temperature limits root growth in water-culture systems. We grew three lettuce cultivars ('Caipira', 'Volare' and 'Isabel') in a glasshouse in two systems, the nutrient film technique (NFT) and aeroponics. The nutrient solution was heated to 20, 25 or 30°C, and we compared how each setting changed root-zone temperature, root morphology, shoot growth and yield.
Key Findings
- Root-zone temperature: Heating raised root-zone temperature in both systems. The insulated, enclosed Styrofoam aeroponic beds held temperature more steadily than the NFT channels.
- Root development: Heated solutions produced longer total root length, more root tips and more lateral roots with a finer average diameter, a root structure better suited to water and nutrient uptake.
- System comparison: NFT led in shoot biomass and yield, while aeroponics led in root development and root biomass.
- Best setting: Heating to 30°C (NSH30) gave the best growth and yield. Even at this set point, the measured root-zone temperature was only about 25°C, which suited both root and shoot growth of lettuce.