Variations In The Concentration Of Bean Sprouts And Planting Media To The Growth Of Microgreen Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.)

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Introduction

Microgreens are young vegetables that are harvested within 7 to 14 days after being planted. They require appropriate planting media and adequate nutrition to grow well. Research on variations in the concentration of bean sprouts and planting media on the growth of Microgreen Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was carried out from December 2022 to February 2023 at the Laboratory of Plant and Network Culture Physiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of North Sumatra. This study aims to find the best combination between bean sprouts and planting media variations for alfalfa growth.

Microgreens have gained popularity in recent years due to their high nutritional value and ease of cultivation. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. However, the growth of microgreens requires careful consideration of the planting media and nutrient levels. Inadequate nutrition can lead to stunted growth, reduced yields, and decreased quality.

Materials and Methods

A complete random factorial design (CRD) was used in this study, with two treatment factors: four types of media (cocopeat, husk charcoal, vermikulit, and rockwool) and four levels of concentration of bean sprouts (control, 20 ml/l, 25 ml/L, and 30 ml/L). The experiment was conducted for 14 days after planting (HST). The results showed that the combination of treatment of the concentration of bean sprouts and planting media had a significant effect on plant height, fresh weight, root volume, dry weight, fiber content, and chlorophyll content.

Results

The combination of bean sprouts with a concentration of 25 ml/L on rockwool planting media (E2M4) shows the highest value for all measured variables. Plant height reaches 9.65 cm, fresh weight 9.04 grams, root volume 0.53 ml, dry weight 1.06 grams, chlorophyll content 2.07 mg/g, and crude fiber content of 12.33%. Conversely, the treatment uses the concentration of E3 bean sprouts (30 ml/L) extract on all types of media tends to reduce the value of all observation variables.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that the combination of media and bean sprouts can significantly affect microgreen growth. Rockwool planting media, which has a good structure for air circulation and humidity, turns out to be more supportive of alfalfa growth compared to other media such as cocopeat or vermiculit. The importance of the selection of planting media in microgreens cultivation cannot be ignored. Each media has a unique characteristic that can affect the availability of water, nutrition, and oxygen for plant roots.

In this study, the use of the exact concentration of bean sprouts extract, especially in 25 ml/L, can provide additional nutrition boosters needed by Microgreen Alfalfa to grow optimally. Bean sprouts contain various micro and macro elements that are beneficial for plant growth. The high chlorophyll content in microgreen indicates an efficient photosynthesis process, which in turn contributes to overall plant growth. Chlorophyll not only gives green color to plants, but also functions important in absorbing sunlight to produce energy.

Conclusion

In the context of sustainable agriculture and urban farming, the use of microgreen such as Alfalfa can be an interesting solution. They not only grow quickly and are easily maintained, but also rich in nutrients and can be used in various dishes. Therefore, an understanding of the exact variations of extracts and planting media is an important step to increase the production and quality of microgreens.

Future Directions

This study provides new insights on how to optimize the growth of Microgreen Alfalfa, which can be a valuable reference for farmers, researchers, and urban agricultural fans in developing more effective and efficient microgreen cultivation. Future studies can explore the effects of different types of bean sprouts, planting media, and nutrient levels on microgreen growth. Additionally, the use of microgreens in various dishes and their potential health benefits can be further investigated.

References

  • [1] Bean Sprouts as a Nutritional Supplement: Bean sprouts are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can be used as a nutritional supplement to enhance the growth and development of microgreens.
  • [2] Planting Media and Microgreen Growth: The selection of planting media can significantly affect microgreen growth. Rockwool, cocopeat, and vermiculit are popular options, but their effects on microgreen growth vary.
  • [3] Chlorophyll Content and Photosynthesis: Chlorophyll content is an important indicator of photosynthesis efficiency. High chlorophyll content can contribute to overall plant growth and development.
  • [4] Microgreen Cultivation and Sustainable Agriculture: Microgreens can be an interesting solution for sustainable agriculture and urban farming. They are easy to grow, rich in nutrients, and can be used in various dishes.

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of variations in the concentration of bean sprouts and planting media on the growth of Microgreen Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). A complete random factorial design was used, with two treatment factors: four types of media and four levels of concentration of bean sprouts. The results show that the combination of treatment of the concentration of bean sprouts and planting media had a significant effect on plant height, fresh weight, root volume, dry weight, fiber content, and chlorophyll content. The combination of bean sprouts with a concentration of 25 ml/L on rockwool planting media shows the highest value for all measured variables. This study provides new insights on how to optimize the growth of Microgreen Alfalfa, which can be a valuable reference for farmers, researchers, and urban agricultural fans in developing more effective and efficient microgreen cultivation.

Q: What are microgreens, and why are they important?

A: Microgreens are young vegetables that are harvested within 7 to 14 days after being planted. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Microgreens are important because they are easy to grow, require minimal space, and can be harvested quickly, making them a great option for urban agriculture and sustainable farming.

Q: What are the benefits of using bean sprouts as a nutrient supplement for microgreens?

A: Bean sprouts are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can be used as a nutritional supplement to enhance the growth and development of microgreens. Bean sprouts contain various micro and macro elements that are beneficial for plant growth, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Q: What are the different types of planting media used in microgreen cultivation, and how do they affect growth?

A: The most common types of planting media used in microgreen cultivation are rockwool, cocopeat, and vermiculit. Each media has a unique characteristic that can affect the availability of water, nutrition, and oxygen for plant roots. Rockwool, for example, has a good structure for air circulation and humidity, making it more supportive of alfalfa growth.

Q: How does the concentration of bean sprouts affect microgreen growth?

A: The concentration of bean sprouts can significantly affect microgreen growth. In this study, the use of the exact concentration of bean sprouts extract, especially in 25 ml/L, can provide additional nutrition boosters needed by Microgreen Alfalfa to grow optimally. High concentrations of bean sprouts can lead to reduced growth and development.

Q: What is the importance of chlorophyll content in microgreen growth?

A: Chlorophyll content is an important indicator of photosynthesis efficiency. High chlorophyll content can contribute to overall plant growth and development. Chlorophyll not only gives green color to plants, but also functions important in absorbing sunlight to produce energy.

Q: How can microgreens be used in sustainable agriculture and urban farming?

A: Microgreens can be an interesting solution for sustainable agriculture and urban farming. They are easy to grow, rich in nutrients, and can be used in various dishes. Microgreens can be grown in small spaces, such as indoor gardens or vertical farms, making them a great option for urban agriculture.

Q: What are the future directions for microgreen research and development?

A: Future studies can explore the effects of different types of bean sprouts, planting media, and nutrient levels on microgreen growth. Additionally, the use of microgreens in various dishes and their potential health benefits can be further investigated. Microgreen research and development can also focus on improving cultivation methods, increasing yields, and reducing costs.

Q: How can this study contribute to the development of more effective and efficient microgreen cultivation?

A: This study provides new insights on how to optimize the growth of Microgreen Alfalfa, which can be a valuable reference for farmers, researchers, and urban agricultural fans in developing more effective and efficient microgreen cultivation. The findings of this study can be used to improve cultivation methods, increase yields, and reduce costs.

Q: What are the potential applications of microgreens in the food industry?

A: Microgreens can be used as a garnish or ingredient in various dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. They can also be used as a nutritional supplement to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of food products. Microgreens can be a great option for food manufacturers looking to create healthy and sustainable food products.

Q: How can microgreens be used in education and outreach programs?

A: Microgreens can be used as a teaching tool to educate students about sustainable agriculture, urban farming, and nutrition. They can also be used in outreach programs to promote the benefits of microgreens and encourage people to grow their own food. Microgreens can be a great way to engage people in sustainable agriculture and promote healthy eating habits.