Optimizing Light Intensity and Salinity for Sustainable Kale ( Brassica oleracea ) Production and Potential Application in Marine Aquaponics

Christopher Pascual (), Lirong Xiang, Ricardo Hernandez and Steven Hall
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Christopher Pascual: Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz 3120, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Lirong Xiang: Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7621, Raleigh, NC 27695-7621, USA
Ricardo Hernandez: Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7609, Raleigh, NC 27695-7609, USA
Steven Hall: Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7621, Raleigh, NC 27695-7621, USA

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-21

Abstract: With rising populations and increasing food consumption, the demand for food is placing significant strain on freshwater resources. Exploring crops that can thrive under saline conditions is crucial to ensuring food security. Although brackish and seawater is abundant, it is generally unsuitable for irrigation. However, some plants exhibit tolerance to moderate levels of salinity. This study investigated the effects of varying light intensities (150 and 250 photosynthetic photon flux densities) and salinity levels (<1.5, 5, 10, and 17 parts per thousand, equivalent to <26, 86, 171, and 291 millimolars) on the growth and nutrient composition of Russian kale ( Brassica oleracea ) grown in indoor hydroponics. The experiment was conducted over five months, from September 2023 to January 2024. The results revealed that a light intensity of 250 PPFD and salinity levels of <1.5–5 ppt (<26–86 mM) were optimal for maximizing the biomass yield of the kale, whereas a significant reduction in the yield was observed at salinity levels exceeding 10 ppt (171 mM). In contrast, the dry matter percentage was significantly higher at 17 ppt (291 mM). The macronutrient contents, particularly the total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total phosphorus (TP), and magnesium (Mg), were consistent across both light intensities (150–250 PPFDs) and at salinity levels between <1.5 and 10 ppt (<26–171 mM) but were reduced at 17 ppt (291 mM). The micronutrient concentrations, such as those of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn), were higher at the lower light intensity (150 PPFD) across the salinity levels. These findings suggest that optimizing the light conditions is essential for enhancing the nutritional value of kale in saline environments. These outcomes are particularly vital for improving agricultural productivity and resilience in salt-affected regions, thereby supporting broader food security and sustainability goals.

Keywords: plant growth; plant development; dry biomass; salt intrusion; nutrient content; food security; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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