Effect of pH on Growth Rate and Yield of Cucumis sativus

Abstract

The effects of pH on growth rate and yield of Cucumis sativus were determined using different treatment media. In this study, there are 3 different treatments media consists of rice husks ash (T1), Lactobacillus (T2) and blank (T3). Each treatment being supplied with 1.9 dS/m electrical conductivity (EC) of nutrient solutions and the pH was being measured every two consecutive days until 31 d of transplanting. Results showed T1 capable in maintaining the pH media average 6.7 followed by T3 with an average pH value of 6.4 and T1 with pH value of 6.3. Cucumis sativus for treatment of rice husks (T1) recorded the fastest growth rate and highest yield as compared with the other treatments. The total yield obtained was 60 of cucumber (22.66 kg) for T1 followed by T3 with 45 of cucumber (17.53 kg) and T2 with 41 of cucumber (15.92 kg). It can be safely concluded that the medium containing treated rice husk was the best for obtaining high yield of cucumber in soilless media. Rice husks can be a local growing media for crop cultivation due to the ability in maintaining the pH. The right pH media needed to provide the best conditions for most agricultural plants to absorb the nutrients efficiently. The uses of rice husk treatment media shows enhance crop production, maintaining the pH and eventually create more sustainable agriculture and environment.