Grocery Waste Compost as an Alternative Hydroponic Growing Medium

Modern hydroponic substrates have contributed significantly to the popularity and progress of cultivations worldwide, nevertheless, their development, transportation, disposal often come at a significant environmental cost. Here we investigate feasibility partial total replacement conventional organic growing media constituents, such as cocodust (C), in 20% perlite (P) 80% substrate (hereafter control 8C), with compost from locally sourced grocery waste (W). For this purpose, four treatment mixtures were developed (6C:2W, 4C:4W, 2C:6W, 8W), waste-compost fraction ranging 20 80%, respectively (perlite constant 20%). The new tested on lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Tanius) cultivation. During 35-day experiment, physiology was evaluated using chlorophyll concentration [SPAD], fluorescence [Fv/Fm], number leaves, plant growth index. At harvest, yield leaf area [cm2], fresh dry weight [g], well firmness [g]. Results show that led superior characteristics, 8W inducing increase area, concentration, weight, firmness, by 11.6%, 5.4%, 19.8% 12.8%, respectively, compared 8C. indicate waste-based is an excellent sustainable alternative for soilless cultivation lettuce. After its use cultivation, material safe dispose or be used soil amendment, thus contributing circular agro-food economy model.