Production of watercress with brackish water and different circulation times for the nutrient solution

Abstract

In view of the limitations on good quality water, the use of low-quality water in agriculture is seen as a suitable
alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a protected environment, the production of broadleaf watercress in an NFT
(Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic system as a function of the use of brackish water and different circulation times for the
nutrient solution. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of UFC, in Fortaleza, Ceará, from December 2018
to March 2019 (two crop cycles). The treatments were distributed in a randomised block design in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme,
five levels of water salinity (0.6, 1.6, 2.6, 3.6 and 4.6 dS m-1) and two circulation times for the nutrient solution (10 and 15
min), totalling 10 treatments with 4 replications, resulting in 40 experimental plots. The parameters under evaluation were plant
height and number of leaves at 6, 10, 14, 20 and 25 days after transplanting (DAT), leaf area, shoot and root fresh weight, and
shoot and root dry weight for each cycle. Water salinity maintained at 2.6 dS m-1 was considered satisfactory for watercress
production in both crop cycles under evaluation. A circulation time of 15 minutes for the nutrient solution gave the best results
in the watercress at all levels of salinity.