EFFECT OF NUTRIENT SOURCES ON THE YIELD AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF JUTE MALLOW (CORCHORUS OLITORIUS) CULTIVATED USING HYDROPONIC AND GEOPONIC METHODS

Abstract

 Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) is a leafy vegetable rich in protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins. However, traditional soil-based cultivation of this crop is limited by poor soil fertility, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental variability, thereby necessitating innovative approaches such as hydroponics to enhance yield and enable year-round production. This study therefore assessed the impact of different nutrient sources on the yield of Corchorus olitorius grown using two hydroponic systems compared to the traditional soil-based cultivation method. Specifically, plants were grown using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Drip hydroponic methods with five different nutrient sources (master blend, master mix, compost, fish effluent, and water) while plants were grown in the soil for geoponic cultivation. Data were taken on growth attributes like plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves. In addition, pigments such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in the leaves were quantified. Similarly, phytochemical parameters including alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids were measured. The results revealed that Corchorus olitorius grown with Master Mix under NFT exhibited superior growth while those grown with Master Mix under Drip technique had highest pigment contents. Similarly, Master Mix under NFT and Master Blend under Drip systems produced the highest phytochemical contents. This study highlighted the need for regular monitoring of electrical conductivity (EC) and pH during hydroponic farming, to prevent salt stress and acidification. Findings from this study revealed that hydroponic cultivation, when supplied with the appropriate nutrient source, has the potential to significantly improve the yield and nutritional quality of Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius) compared to conventional soil cultivation