Nutrient Optimization for Leafy Greens
Liquid hydroponic cultures have become increasingly popular among indoor, greenhouse, and high‑tunnel growers. These systems are typically designed with continuous nutrient circulation or as closed systems, where nutrient adjustments are made based on electrical conductivity (EC). However, managing nutrients solely through EC can be problematic because EC does not account for the concentration of individual ions in the solution.
Previous research from my lab has shown that EC‑based nutrient management can lead to significant imbalances, including the accumulation of certain elements and the depletion of nitrogen within the system. These imbalances can reduce plant performance, especially in leafy greens.
Our ongoing research focuses on developing nutrient recycling strategies for leafy green production in controlled‑environment agriculture (CEA). These strategies have the potential to increase yield while conserving both water and nutrients, offering growers a more sustainable and cost‑effective approach to hydroponic production.
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Past Publications
- Yang T, Samarakoon U and Altland J (2025) Modified nutrient management protocol for optimum biomass production, nutritional quality, and flavor-related phytochemical properties of hydroponic-grown kale (Brassica oleracea). Front. Plant Sci. 16:1629432.
- Yang, T.; Samarakoon, U.C.; Altland, J.; Ling, P. (2024) Influence of Electrical Conductivity on Plant Growth, Nutritional Quality, and Phytochemical Properties of Kale (Brassica napus) and Collard (Brassica oleracea) Grown Using Hydroponics. Agronomy 14, 2704.
- Yang, T., Samarakoon, U. and Altland, J., (2024). Growth, phytochemical concentration, nutrient uptake, and water consumption of butterhead lettuce in response to hydroponic system design and growing season. Scientia Horticulturae, 332, p.113201.
- Yang, T., Samarakoon, U.C., & Altland, J. (2022). Comparison of Growth, Phytochemical Content, Nutrient Uptake, and Water Consumption of Lettuce under Two Hydroponic System Designs: Nutrient Film Technique and Deep-Water Culture. Acta Horticulturae 1377 747-754
- Yang, T.; Samarakoon, U.C.; Altland, J.; Ling, P. (2021). Photosynthesis, Biomass Production, Nutritional Quality, and Flavor-Related Phytochemical Properties of Hydroponic-Grown Arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.) ‘Standard’ under Different Electrical Conductivities of Nutrient Solution. Agronomy 11(7), 1340
- Samarakoon, U. C., J. Palmer, P. Ling, and J. Altland. (2020) Effects of Electrical Conductivity, pH, and Foliar Application of Calcium Chloride on Yield and Tipburn of Lactuca sativa Grown Using the Nutrient–Film Technique. HortScience 55 (8):1265-1271
- Samarakoon, U.C., Fyffe, C., Bale, J., Ling, P., Basnagala, S., Donley, N., Altland, J. (2019). Effect of Electrical Conductivity on the Productivity and Nutrient Uptake of Lactuca sativa L. grown using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Acta Horticulturae 1266: 137-144