Abstract

Due to rapid urbanization in developing countries, it is necessary for respective governments to seek new approaches to providing sustainable fresh food and chemical-free supplies. The implementation of a Hydroponic system (Nutrient Film Technique) is an innovative solution to shortages of organic and fresh food in urban areas. The study investigated the construction of the hydroponic system, the nutrient film technique was used for the production of leafy vegetables such as Lactuca sativa L and Amaranthus cruentus. This study was to assess the effects of commercial hydroponic fertilizer mix (CHFM) combined with clay ball, vermiculite, and coconuts coir bio-inoculated with N2 fixing and P-solubilizing bacteria Priestia aryabhattai (E3) and Enterobacter cloacae (P5), respectively to bring changes in N and P contents of the substrate to improve cultivation of leafy vegetables. Results reveal significant differences for fresh root weight (RW), shoot length (SL), fresh shoot weight (SW), total plant length (TL), total fresh weight (TW), root/shoot weight ratio (RSWR) and root/shoot length ratio (RSLR), in different treated conditions. While there was no significant difference in root length (RL). Bioinoculation of the substrate with nitrogen fixing and phosphate solubilizing bacteria enhanced the rate of germination of Amaranthus and lettuce seeds. This Hydroponic system can be used through a decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse system; being relatively cheap to construct and operate, having low maintenance requirements, and also a long lifespan.