Increase of phytomass and protein in hydroponic green forage through fertilization in Casanare, Colombia

Objective: To evaluate the effect of two types of fertilizers on the phytomass and protein content of hydroponic green forage (HGF) of corn (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), and soybean (Glycine max L.).Design/Methodology/Approach: A 3232 bifactorial design was implemented. The seeds were immersed in 1% chlorine for 15 min for their disinfection. A hydroponic system with nebulization irrigation was used; the plants were irrigated for 1 minute every 4 hours. Five cm3 of organic fertilizer (OF) and 5 cm3 inorganic fertilizer (IF) were applied per liter of irrigation water. Plant height (cm), fresh phytomass production (kg), actual phytomass yield (kg1 m21), and crude protein content (%) were measured. The data were analyzed by means of an ANOVA and a Tukey comparison test (p0.05), using the SPSS® Statistics 24 software (IBM).Results: A phytomass yield of 50.7 kg/m2 of HGF and a protein content of 17% were obtained using 7.102 kg of corn seed; meanwhile, a yield of 30.53 kg/m2 and a protein content of 15% were obtained with rice seed. Finally, soybean obtained a yield of 19.17 kg/m2 of HGF and a protein content of 38%.Study Limitations/Implications: The nitrogen content of the fertilizers can be considered as the main limitation factor in the production and quality of HGF.Findings/Conclusions: Inorganic fertilization has a significant effect on phytomass production and the protein production of HGF.