The effect of nutrient solution conductivity on the growth of cucumber plants

Cucumber growth responses to nutrient solution conductivity (Ec) were evaluated. Four levels of nutrient solution Ec, ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 mS cm-I, were used. Plant height, stem diameter, leaf area and fresh and dry weight of different plant parts were measured. The results showed that cucumber plants can be grown in a wide range of nutrient solution Ec without affecting the plant growth and productivity. Plant water uptake and relative water content (RWC) were significantly reduced with increasing nutrient solution Ec. Plant water potential, measured 40 days after imposing the treatments, was higher for 2.5 mS cm-l than 1.0 mS cm-l plants. There was no significant effect for the treatments on the transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. Photosynthetic rate measured 40 days after applying the treatment, significantly increased with increasing nutrient solution Ec.Corresponding Author: Dr. Abdulaziz R. Al-Harbi Plant Production Department, College of Agriculture & Food Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia. Telephone:+96614678347, Fax:966-1-4678467 Email:akharbi@ksu.edu.s