Rocket production in NFT hydroponic system using brackish water from Brazilian Semiarid region and desalination reject brine

Abstract

This study was carried out in a greenhouse under the semi-arid conditions of Ibimirim City in Pernambuco State (northeast Brazil) to evaluate rocket yield under different salinity levels in the NFT hydroponics cultivation using saline underground water and the tailing from its desalination. Six levels of water salinity (CEa: 0.2; 1.2; 2.2; 3.2; 4.2; 5.2 dS m^-1) were studied. Two water salinity sources used in the preparation of the nutritive solution were also  evaluated: water artificially salinized with NaCl and brackish groundwater, obtained from a deep tubular well and mixed with its desalination tailing (reverse osmosis). Desalinized water was used to restore the evapotranspiration (ETc) losses. Differences between the salinity sources on rocket growth were not observed. On the other hand, the increase of water salinity produced a negative effect on rocket plants yield and quality. Chlorosis symptoms and burning of leaf edges were observed.