Foliar-Exclusive Nutrition in Hydroponic Plants

Presenter

Amalia Pereira

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

This study evaluated foliar nutrient application as a primary fertilization strategy in hydroponically grown tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). Two commercially formulated foliar fertilizers with different macronutrient ratios were tested: a 9-18-9 (N-P-K) formulation (Green-Up) and a 3-18-18 formulation (Ripen-Up). It was hypothesized that repeated foliar application of balanced N-P-K formulations could partially compensate for the absence of root-supplied macronutrients. The objective was to determine whether this strategy could sustain vegetative growth and fruit development in plants maintained in nutrient-free reverse osmosis (RO) water within a deep-water culture (DWC) system. Tomato plants from both clonal cuttings and seed-grown individuals were cultivated in two controlled-environment grow tents (4 x 4 x 6 ft), each containing four DWC buckets. Within each tent, plants were divided into treatment groups using a physical barrier to minimize spray drift. In Tent 1, one group received repeated foliar applications of the 9-18-9 formulation, while a second group received 9-18-9 during vegetative growth followed by 3-18-18 during reproductive development. In Tent 2, one group received only the 3-18-18 formulation, and a control group received no treatment. Plant performance was assessed using stem diameter, plant height, total aboveground biomass, fruit count, and fruit mass to evaluate foliar nutrient delivery without root-supplied macronutrients.

Faculty Mentor

Michael J. Budziszek Ph.D.

Academic Discipline

College of Arts & Sciences

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS