The Influence of Growing Media Composition and Volume of Nutrient Solution Application on The Growth and Yield of Cherry Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller.) With Drip Irrigation Hydroponic System

Abstract

The increasing growth and production of cherry tomatoes, especially in the lowlands, is influenced by water, humidity, and crop cultivation technology. This research aimed to identify the appropriate composition of planting media and the volume of nutrient solutions for the growth and production of cherry tomatoes with drip irrigation hydroponic systems. This research was conducted at Perumahan Royal Sumatra's Screenhouse, Medan Tuntungan (± 32 m above sea level), from March to August 2017. The research used Completely Randomized Factorial Designs with two treatment factors, consisted of M1 planting media (husk charcoal), M2 (cocopeat), M3 (husk charcoal and cocopeat) and watering volume V1 (150 ml nutrient AB mix), V2 (250 ml nutrient AB mix) V3 (350 ml nutrition AB mix). The results showed that the composition of the growing medium had a significant effect on the diameter of the stem at 3-12 weeks after planting and the amount of fruit weight, while the volume of nutrient solution significantly affected the stem diameter at 3-12 weeks after planting, plant length, number of fruit and fruit weight.