Innovative Cultivation Practices for Reducing Nitrate Content in Baby Leaf Lettuce Grown in a Vertical Farm

Abstract

The aim of this research is to introduce innovative cultivation practices that result in reduced nitrate levels in baby leaf lettuce grown under vertical farming conditions while maintaining high productivity. For this reason, three experiments were conducted. The first experiment focused on the impact of two “white” light spectra with a blue:green:red:far-red ratio of 14:32:43:10 (BlowRhigh) and 21:34:36:7 (BhighRlow). The second experiment assessed the effects of two nitrogen supply conditions: sufficient total nitrogen (N15) and limited total nitrogen (N5), and foliar biostimulant application. In the third experiment, the impact of replacing the nutrient solution in the N15 treatment with tap water for an additional 24 h (TW24) on leaf nitrate content was examined. Results from the lighting experiment revealed no significant effects on agronomical parameters or nitrate content between the two light spectra. Reducing nitrogen content in the nutrient solution reduced leaf nitrate content but negatively influenced agronomical characteristics. Biostimulant application and replacing the nutrient solution with water reduced leaf nitrate content compared to the control and positively affected growth. The most favorable outcomes were observed in plants supplied with sufficient nitrogen and foliar biostimulant but also cultivated for an additional 24 h with tap water (Sp-N15-TW24).