Application of ecoenzymes for the growth of pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) growth in a wick hydroponic system toward sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Background: Pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) is an important leafy vegetable in Indonesia, and sustainable nutrient management remains essential for improving its production. The use of eco-enzymes as an environmentally friendly alternative to liquid organic fertilizers for pak choi nutrition shows promising potential, whether grown in soil or hydroponically, to support sustainable agriculture. This study aims to identify the optimal ecoenzyme formulation as an alternative nutrient source for pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) grown in a wick-type hydroponic system (without water flow). Methods: This study used six treatments, including E0 (hydroponics without nutrients/using water only as the negative control), E1 (1% ecoenzyme), E2 (1.5% ecoenzyme), E3 (2% ecoenzyme), E4 (2.5% ecoenzyme), and E5 (0.5% AB mix). Observations were conducted over eight weeks, with water and nutrient changes performed once a week. The vegetative parameters measured included the number of leaves, plant height, leaf area, leaf color and shape, fresh weight, and dry weight. Findings: The results showed that a 2.5% concentration was the most optimal among the other ecoenzyme treatments for vegetative parameters, including the number of leaves, plant height and the percentage of yellowing leaves. The results indicate an upward trend with increasing concentration until the pH tolerance threshold was reached, revealing the potential of ecoenzymes as an alternative nutrient for pak choi in wick-system hydroponics. Conclusion: This study concluded that a 2.5 % ecoenzyme concentration was suggested for additional nutrition to support pak choi growth in hydroponic wick system, since the result shown still differ significantly from ab mix treatment. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study evaluated ecoenzyme as a standalone nutrient source rather than a fertilizer additive and identified its optimal concentration for supporting vegetative growth of pak choi in a wick hydroponic system.