Impact of Different Soilless Media on Vegetative Growth of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.) Under Polyhouse Conditions

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of different soilless growing media on physiological properties of media and growth parameters of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under Polyhouse conditions during 2024 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, U.P. The experiment was carried out in completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications comprising 10 treatment combinations. The media tested include cocopeat, biochar, rice husk, and their various combinations. Physiological parameters assessed were water holding capacity (WHC), pH, and bulk density, while plant growth was evaluated based on vine length, number of leaves, days to first female flower appearance, and root and shoot fresh weight. The results showed that media combination significantly influenced all physiological and growth parameters. Among different media combination T8 with 12.5% cocopeat+12.5% Biochar+75% rice husk recorded the highest vine length (273.91 cm), leaf number (54.00), and root-shoot biomass(109.50g) as well as the earliest female flower appearance (25.17 DAS). Cocopeat alone (T1) exhibited the highest water holding capacity (64.49%) but had limitations in aeration indicated by low bulk density values (0.090 Mg/m3). (T2) Biochar (100%) treatments recorded higher pH values (8.77). The study concludes that balanced media formulations enhance root environment and plant physiological responses conducive to vigorous growth in protected cucumber cultivation.