Response Of Pakcoy Plant Growth (Brassica Rapa L.) To Cold Temperatures in The Root Area with a Vertical Hydroponic System

Abstract

Vertical hydroponic cultivation is an efficient solution for limited land, but suboptimal rooting temperatures can inhibit plant growth. This study aims to analyze the effect of cold temperatures in the root zone on the growth of bok choy in a vertical hydroponic system. The study was an experimental study using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatments: cold temperature, control temperature, and greenhouse temperature, conducted for 30 days. Each treatment consisted of four towers, where each tower consisted of 6 bok choy plants, resulting in a total of 72 bok choy plants. Observed parameters included plant height, number of leaves, root length, as well as climate and water media conditions. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD (α=0.05). The cold temperature treatment produced the best growth with plant heights ranging from 23.5 cm to 26.9 cm and leaf numbers ranging from 15-18, significantly higher than the control and greenhouse (p<0.05). The highest root lengths found in the greenhouse ranged from 22.6 cm to 32.8 cm, likely due to physiological adaptation. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between treatments (F=24.087 for plant height and F=18.390 for leaf number). Cool temperatures (18-28°C) in the root zone significantly increased vegetative growth of bok choy in vertical hydroponic systems. These findings support the development of hydroponic cultivation techniques with temperature control for yield optimization.