Evaluación de la productividad de brócoli (brassica oleraceae var.Italica Plenck) en un sistema hidropónico NFT, en la Estación Agropecuaria UTPL

Abstract

Abstract: The production of vegetables is a key economic activity for small scale farmers in Loja, Ecuador. This study evaluated the performance of broccoli cultivation using a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system, comparing it with field-grown broccoli under conventional practices at the UTPL Agricultural Station. The variables assessed included survival rate, harvest time, total yield, and costbenefit ratio (B/C). The results indicate that, regarding plant establishment, no significant statistical difference is observed. However, in the variables of height, head (broccoli) diameter, and plant weight, the open-field treatment stands out, showing higher values. Nevertheless, it should be noted that although the hydroponic system did not reach ideal sizes and weights, its production is still viable on a smaller scale. In addition, it is a system that contributes to the conservation of natural resources such as water and soil.