Comparison of Energy-use Efficiency for Lettuce Plantation under Nutrient Film Technique and Deep-Water Culture Hydroponic Systems

Energy conservation opportunities in closed plant production systems have been widely discussed, however, a comparison of energy-use efficiency (EUE) for different types hydroponic is lacking. This paper compares the EUE two systems, namely nutrient film technique (NFT) and deep-water culture (DWC), within an aquaponics facility. The energy monitored controlled environment using artificial lighting its impact on growth dynamics crops measured, this case, leafy green crop (Lactuca Sativa L. ‘Little Gem’). Offering better reliability, light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation used with photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) 140 µmol·s−1 photoperiod 12-hours. seeds are then placed chambers, kept at ambient temperature 18°C 21 days. These seedlings transplanted rockwool cubes, followed by placement NFT or DWC equal numbers. Both illuminated LED having PPF 200 µmol·s−1. Continuous 16-hours provided to both 5 weeks. Crop parameters, such as leaf count height, measured resulting similar numbers obtained, shoot fresh weight, area, root length significantly different. Furthermore, system exhibited 31.3 g. kWh−1 outperformed 24.53 kWh−1; indicating higher savings associated systems. results suggest that has potential offer producing factories facilities.