Nitrate accumulation reduction using chloride in the nutrient solution on lettuce growing by NFT in semiarid climate conditions

Abstract

Nitrate accumulation in vegetable represents a serious threat to man's health. Different methods have been reported to reduce the nitrate accumulation in lettuce and other leafy vegetables with or without variation in the yield. The aim of this experiment was to show the different behavior of some cultivars of lettuce using the replacement of N‐NO₃ for chloride in the nutrient solution during last week before harvest. The trial was carried out with three lettuce cultivars: Domino, Elvira, and Daguan and took place in southern Spain (Almería) under greenhouse by NFT. The results indicated a correct method to decrease nitrate content in leafy vegetables and perhaps sulphate could be an anion to study their effect in this way.