Analysis of the Physical Properties of Some Planting Media in the Cultivation of Collard Plants (Brassica juncea L.) Using a Floating Raft Hydroponic System

Abstract

Hydroponic technology is an alternative in cultivation using a substitute media other than soil. This study aims to determine the physical properties of the planting medium and the combination of husk charcoal and cocopeat which are the best for the growth of mustard plants using Floating Raft hydroponics. The planting media used were husk charcoal and cocopeat with a ratio of (75%+25%), (50%+50%), (75%+25%) and rockwool as controls. This study used an experimental method with field trials in a greenhouse. The results showed that the physical properties of the planting medium were as follows; the highest porosity and permeability were husk charcoal + cocopeat (75%+25%) of 76.92% and 1.910 cm/hour, the highest bulk density was husk charcoal + cocopeat (25%+75%) of 0.00038 kg/m³. Good productivity of mustard plants resulted from the use of husk charcoal + cocopeat planting media with a composition (75% + 25%).