Lettuce yield and root activity as affected by an ion exchange substrate and mineral nutrition level

The study involved investigating the effect of ion exchange substrate (IES) addition to a nutrient solution (2% or 5% v/v) on the yield and root parameters of butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. “Justyna”) under the conditions of basic (1.5-times concentrated Hoagland solution, electrical conductivity, EC 2.41–2.47 dS m^?1), and intensive (3-times concentrated Hoagland solution, EC 6.85–7.30 dS m^?1) mineral nutrition level. Regardless of the mineral nutrition level, both experimental additions of IES significantly increased the yield and elevated the volume, as well as the whole (WRA) and the active (ARA) adsorptive surface area of roots. It was confirmed that the substrate did not cause salt stress. Additionally, it was revealed that the substrate constitutes a beneficial component of lettuce in non-salinized (basic) or salinized (intensive mineral nutrition level) environment and that the 2% dose was more favorable than 5% dose.     

Effect of lowering nutrient solution concentration at night on leaf calcium levels and the incidence of tipburn in lettuce (Var. Gloria)

Butterhead lettuce (var. Gloria) were grown in an evaporatively cooled glasshouse using the nutrient film technique (NFT). During the day all plants received a complete nutrient solution (EC 2 dS/m). Treatments were imposed at night and included: complete nutrient solution (control); tap water (EC 0.19 dS/m); and calcium nitrate solutions containing either 100 mg Ca/L (EC 0.80 dS/m), or 200 mg Ca/L (EC 1.45 dS/m).

Tipburn occurred in the control and its incidence was reduced by the other treatments. This effect was associated with an increase in the concentration of calcium in new leaves, except in the water treatment. The night treatments did not affect the fresh weight of mature lettuce.

Circulation of either water or calcium nitrate (100 mg Ca/L) at night may, therefore, be a commercially acceptable means of reducing tipburn losses in lettuce crops grown using hydroponics.     

营养液供液高度对水培生菜生长及矿质元素吸收的影响

在密闭植物工厂条件内,设置5种营养液高度（2、3、4、5、6cm）水培种植生菜,以探究霍格兰（Hoagland）配方营养液不同供液高度对生菜十种矿质元素（K、P、Ca、Mg、Na、Fe、Mn、Zn、Cu、S）吸收及积累的影响。结果表明：生菜地上部生物量以及光合色素含量均在4cm供液高度处理下最大,而地下部生物量以及根长均随着营养液供液高度的增加而升高;生菜地上部十种矿质元素的含量均在供液高度6cm处理下最大,而矿质元素在生菜中的单株累积量则表现为Fe、Mn元素在6cm供液高度下最大,Ca、Mg、Na、Zn、Cu、S元素在4cm供液高度下最大,K、P元素在5cm供液高度下最大。因此,实际生产中可以通过调节水培生菜营养液的供液高度,以达到提高生菜产量或生产功能性蔬菜的目的。     

Assessment of mineral nutrient concentrations of lettuce in response to cultivar selection and fertilization in greenhouse production

Mineral nutrient contents in vegetable-based foods are a concern in human diets, and depleted soil fertility and high-yielding cultivars are associated with low nutrient contents. This study explored if mineral nutrient concentrations of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) can be increased though selection of cultivars and nutritional regimes in greenhouse production. Cultivars including butterhead, romaine, and loose-leaf phenotypes of heritage and modern origins were studied. Hoagland solution, a commercial inorganic fertilizer, and a commercial organic fertilizer were the nutrient regimes. Heritage cultivars had about 10% higher phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc (P, K, Ca, Mg, and Zn) concentrations than modern cultivars. Differences in elemental concentrations occurred among phenotypes and nutritional regimes but with no consistent trend among elements for phenotypes or regimes. Some cultivars had twice the concentrations of nutrients of other cultivars. This work suggests that cultivars can be selected for production of mineral nutrient-rich lettuce.     

Macronutrient Balance of Nickel-Stressed Lettuce Plants Grown under Different Sulfur Levels

This study investigated whether intensive nutrition with sulfur–sulfate (S-SO₄) (2, 6, or 9 mM S) of nickel-stressed (0, 0.0004, 0.04, or 0.08 mM Ni) butterhead lettuce cv. Justyna may improve macronutrient balance and reduce Ni bioaccumulation. Nickel exposure resulted in various unfavorable changes in the macronutrient content together with increase of Ni accumulation in the biomass. Intensive S nutrition of Ni-treated lettuce seems to have no beneficial effect on macronutrient balance. In general, it significantly reduced the root and foliar phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and S content and simultaneously did not affect the magnesium (Mg) content in the biomass. At the same time, the nitrogen (N) content was reduced in roots and elevated in shoots. Supplementation of Ni-exposed lettuce with high S doses raised in roots and reduced foliar Ni accumulation; however, Ni content in useable parts exceeded the acceptable limits established for consumption.     

Effect of water stress on aluminum toxicity in pitch pine seedlings

A decrease in soil water content during droughts may increase aluminum (Al) to concentrations that are toxic to the growth of trees. The effects of water stress (WS) on the response of ectomycorrhizal pitch pine (Pinus rigida Mill.) seedlings to aluminum was determined by growing seedlings in sand irrigated with nutrient solution (pH 3.8) containing 0, 5, or 10 mg L^‐1 Al. Water stress was imposed for 41 days by withholding nutrient solution for five consecutive days each week. At harvest time, seedlings at high WS had 72% of mean gravimetric water contents of seedlings at low WS. Aluminum decreased growth of seedlings at high WS, but had no effect on growth of seedlings at low WS. Aluminum toxicity symptoms in roots (e.g., dark thickened tips) were observed at lower Al levels at high WS than at low WS. Stem dry weight was the only plant part decreased by water stress alone. Across Al levels, Al concentration in roots was higher at low WS than at high WS. Water stress alone reduced root [phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca)] and foliar [P, K, and magnesium (Mg)] concentrations of mineral nutrients. Decreases of nutrients in roots with increasing Al was greater at low than at high WS. Calcium was the only foliar nutrient decreased by Al treatment.     

Comparisons of commercial organic and chemical fertilizer solutions on growth and composition of lettuce

The objective of this experiment was to assess the effects of organic or chemical nutrient solutions on the growth and composition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in greenhouse production. Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solution, an organic hydroponics solution, and no fertilization were factored with lettuce cultivars of different phenotypes, iceberg, romaine, loose head, and loose leaf. Lettuce growth was higher with Hoagland and Arnon solution than with the organic fertilizer or with no fertilization. The organic fertilizer increased growth above no fertilizer applied. Hoagland and Arnon solution gave the highest concentration of nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and iron in the lettuce whereas lettuce grown with the organic fertilizer had the highest phosphorus. Plant nutrient accumulation differed slightly among the cultivars. Hoagland and Arnon solution produced high nitrate in leaves. Nitrate concentrations with organic or no fertilization were low. Loose head or loose leaf cultivars had higher nitrate than romaine or iceberg.     

Growth,nutrient acquisition,and physiological responses of three olive cultivars to induced salt stress

Three olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars Nabali Baladi (NB), Nabali Muhassan (NM), and Grossi Di'Espagna (GE) were evaluated under salt stress. Seedlings were treated with salinity induced by a 3:1 ratio of calcium chloride and sodium chloride to four concentration levels measured as electrical conductivity (EC) [1.2, 4.1, 7.0, and 14.0 dS/m] for 122 days. Olive seedlings varied in their response to salinity. In all treatments, NB had the highest root; stem and leaf dry weights had among the highest total plant dry weights, specific stem length (SSL) and relative water content (RWC). NB seedlings maintained the highest stomatal conductance at 7.0 dS/m and highest chlorophyll index at 14.0 dS/m. Olive seedlings that tolerated salt tolerance developed mechanisms of nutrient acquisition and distribution in the organs, by storing minimal amounts of sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^?) in the stems and loading the most in the leaves and roots.     

Gas exchange,water relations,and Ion concentrations of salt‐stressed tomato and melon plants

Abstract

Tomato and melon plants were grown in a greenhouse and irrigated with nutrient solution having an EC of 2 dS m^?1 (control treatment) and 4, 6, and 8 dS m^?1, produced by adding NaCl to the control nutrient solution. After 84 days, leaf water relations, gas exchange parameters, and ion concentrations, as well as plant growth, were measured. Melon plants showed a greater reduction in shoot weight and leaf area than tomato at the two highest salinity levels used (6 and 8 dS m^?1). Net photosynthesis (Pn) in melon plants tended to be lower than in tomato, for all saline treatments tested. Pn was reduced by 32% in melon plants grown in nutrient solution having an EC of 4 dS m^?1, relative to control plants, and no further decline occurred at higher EC levels. In tomato plants, the Pn decline occurred at EC of 6 dS m^?1, and no further reduction was detected at EC of 8 dS m^?1. The significant reductions in Pn corresponded to similar leaf Cl^? concentrations (around 409 mmol kg^?1 dry weight) in both plant species. Net Pn and stomatal conductance were linearly correlated in both tomato and melon plants, Pn being more sensitive to changes in stomatal conductance (g_s) in melon than in tomato leaves. The decline in the growth parameters caused by salinity in melon and tomato plants was influenced by other factors in addition to reduction in Pn rates. Melon leaves accumulated larger amounts of Cl^? than tomato, which caused a greater reduction in growth and a reduction in Pn at lower salinity levels than in tomato plants. These facts indicate that tomato is more salt‐tolerant than melon.     

Zinc toxicity‐induced variation of mineral element composition in hydroponically grown bush bean plants

Bush bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Contender) were grown for twenty days in nutrient solution (pH=5), containing 0.13, 0.3, 0.5 or 0.75 mg 1^‐1 Zn as ZnSO₄‐7H₂O. The plant yield decreased linearly with the increase of the Zn concentration supplied. The phytotoxic threshold content (for 10% growth reduction) was about 486, 242, 95 and 134^‐ μg Zn g^‐1 for roots, steins, mature primary and trifoliate leaves, and developing leaves, respectively. High inverse correlation coefficients with the Zh concentration supplied were found for the Mn content of all organs, for the P content of roots, and for the Cu and Ca contents of developing leaves. Significant positive relations were found for the Fe, Zn and Cu contents in roots and for the Zn con‐ tents in stems and fully expanded leaves. The ratios of the mineral contents between organs suggest inhibition of uptake of Mn and P, and inhibition of translocation of Fe, Cu and Ca. The relation between dry weight decrease and Zn‐induced nutrient content disorders were discussed.     

Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network Approach to Estimate Chlorophyll Concentration Index of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for greenhouse-grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.); however, excessive nutrient availability causes disease and detrimental effects on the leaf and root development. In this study, nitrogen content of the lettuce leaves was estimated by determining the chlorophyll concentrations of the leaves using image processing technique. The Hoagland solution was used as a fertilizer in five different doses (control, quarter of the solution, half of the solution, standard solution, and two times more of the solution). Multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) model was developed based on the red, green, and blue components of the color image captured to estimate chlorophyll content and chlorophyll concentration index (SPAD values). According to the obtained results, the MLPNN model was capable of estimating the lettuce leaf chlorophyll content with a reasonable accuracy. The coefficient of determination was 0.98, and mean square error was 0.006 in validation process.     

Salinity Effects on Yield and Yield Components of Contrasting Naked Oat Genotypes

ABSTRACT

Global crop production systems are challenged by the increasing areas of saline soil in arid and semi-arid regions. Two naked oat (Avena sativa L.) lines (‘VAO-7’ and ‘VAO-24’) with distinct seedling tolerance to salinity were subjected to six levels of salt concentrations in a controlled greenhouse, and the response of yield and yield components to salinity stress was determined. The salt treatments 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) (corresponding to EC: 3.42, 6.74, 9.66, 12.40, 15.04 dS m^?1) imposed through modified Hoagland solution. Plain Hoagland was used as control. Complete nutrient elements were provided during the entire growth period. At maturity, the number of tillers with emerged heads was counted; the plant was then harvested and separated into shoots, seeds, and roots. Both plant height and days to maturity were shortened with increasing salt stress. Among the yield components, spikelet, tiller number, and grain dry weight per plant were significantly reduced by increasing salt concentration. Number of spikelets and grain weight per plant were the most salt-sensitive yield components. Thousand grain weight also varied as salinity stress increased. Harvest index remained relatively unchanged until the salinity reached 150 mM and higher. Our data indicate that grain yield reduction in oat due to salinity stress is associated with reduced number of grains per plant and mean grain weight.     

Ozone,acidic precipitation,and soil Mg impacts on soil and loblolly pine seedling nutrient status after three growing seasons

Recent studies have suggested that the growth of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) has declined in the southeastern United States, possibly due to acidic deposition and air pollutants, especially under conditions of low nutrient availability. Consequently, the potential for individual and synergistic impacts of O₃, acidic precipitation, and soil Mg status on the nutrient status of loblolly pine seedlings and soil was investigated over a 3 yr study period. Thirty-six open top chambers equipped with a rainfall exclusion/addition system were utilized to administer three levels of O₃ (subambient, ambient, or twice ambient) and two acidic precipitation treatments (pH 3.8 or 5.2) to seedlings growing in 24-L plastic pots containing soil having either 35 or 15 mg kg^?1 of exchangeable Mg. Each chamber contained 36 pots, and each treatment combination was replicated six times for a total of 1296 individual pots. After three seasons, throughfall and foliar nutrition data indicated that foliar leaching was not accelerated by increasing the acidity of precipitation from pH 5.2 to 3.8 and that increasing O₃ did not act to exacerbate foliar leaching. Further, foliar nutrient concentrations were not significantly affected by precipitation pH or O₃ treatments. Soil and soil solution data also indicate no accelerated soil leaching associated with chronic acidic precipitation. Differences in soil Mg treatments were reflected in soil solution and seedling Mg contents, but the 15 mg kg^?1 soil Mg treatment was not sufficiently low enough to induce Mg deficiency in the seedlings.     

Auswirkungen von NaCl und Na2 SO4 auf Substanzbildung,Mineralstoffgehalt und Inhaltsstoffe bei Spinat und Salat

Effect of NaCl and Na₂SO₄ on dry matter production, mineral content and organic compounds of spinach and lettuce . In water culture experiments the effect of 2,5 meq and 25 meq NaCl and Na₂SO₄ respectively on dry matter production and content of mineral elements, chloroplasts pigments and carbohydrates in lettuce (salt sensitive) and spinach (salt tolerant) has been studied. With increasing Na-supply the dry matter production was decreased in lettuce and increased in spinach. With increasing Na-supply in both species the content of K, Mg and Ca in the leaves decreased. This decrease was more pronounced with sulfate as accompanying anion (Na₂SO₄) and induced already deficiency in Ca and Mg. This induced deficiency of Mg was reflected especially in lettuce in lower contents of chloroplasts pigments. In both plant species there was no effect of the Na salt treatments on the content of phosphorus or nitrogen in roots or leaves. The carbohydrate content in both species was strongly affected by the Na salt treatments. Irrespectively of the accompanying anion this effect occured already at the low Na supply and before the dry matter production was influenced. In leaves and roots of lettuce the contents of glucose, fructose and sucrose was considerably decreased; this decrease was less expressed in the starch content. In spinach the Na supply only decreased the carbohydrate content in the roots whereas in the leaves especially the sucrose content was increased. This different effect of Na on carbohydrate content in spinach and lettuce could be an indication of different action of Na on carbohydrate metabolism, namely inhibited synthesis in lettuce and inhibited translocation in spinach. The results demonstrate that in studies on the effect of increasing Na salt concentrations besides the osmotic effects also the ion specific effects have to be carfully considered. These ion specific effects are competition of Na⁺ with other cations during uptake and the influence of Na on the cell metabolism, especially on the pathway of carbohydrates. The authors thanks Mrs. Hwie Juen Tjandraatmadja for her engaged help in various laboratory works.     

Response of Cherry Rootstocks to Boron and Salinity

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present research was to study the effects of boron (B) and potassium chloride (KCl) induced salinity on growth, nutritional status, and chlorophyll content of the cherry rootstocks CAB 6P (Prunus cerasus L.) and Gisela 5 (Prunus cerasus L. × Prunus canescens L.). Plants produced the longest shoots, more leaves, and the greatest fresh weights of shoots and leaves when treated with 0.025 mM B combined with the lower level of salinity (0.75 dS m^?1). CAB 6P plants retained most of their leaves until the end of the experiment, whereas Gisela 5 plants showed higher leaf shedding. Irrigation of plants with solutions containing 0.2 mM B and electrical conductivities (EC) of 4 dS m^?1 resulted in lower leaf chlorophyll contents (SPAD units) when compared with all other treatments. Nitrogen (N) concentrations of leaves from both rootstocks decreased as the EC of the nutrient solution increased from 0.75 to 4 mM. Potassium (K) concentrations of leaves from both rootstocks increased as salinity levels increased.     

INVESTIGATION OF SALINITY STRESS AND POTASSIUM LEVELS ON MORPHOPHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SAFFRON

A greenhouse research experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of salinity stress and potassium (K) fertilization on biomass accumulation of roots and shoot of saffron plants. Treatments were four levels salinity in the form of sodium chloride (NaCl; 3.4, 6.4, 9.4 and 12.4 dS m^?1) and three levels of potassium (50, 100, and 150 % of Hoagland's nutrition solution base). Results indicated that higher levels of potassium significantly controlled the negative effects of NaCl on length and number of roots as well as fresh weight and number of leaves per plant. Increase in salinity and potassium levels caused a reduction in leaf water content, and enhancement in electrolyte leakage. It seems that in the presence of salinity increasing 50% extra potassium (Based on Hoagland's nutrient solution) in the rhizosphere of saffron can improve damaging effects of NaCl up to 9.4 dS m^?1 of soil solution.     

Study of Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition of Proteas Cultivated under Subtropical Conditions

Abstract: A study of soil physicochemical characteristics and mineral nutrition of four cultivars of Leucospermum cordifolium (‘Scarlett Ribbon,’ ‘High Gold,’ ‘Veldifre,’ ‘Sunrise’) and Leucospermum patersonii species was carried out along 2 years in commercial protea plantations, distributed throughout a subtropical region (La Palma Island, Canarian Archipelago). Soils presented a slightly acid pH range, whereas organic matter showed suitable values. Generally, available soil phosphorus (P) contents were less than 25 mg kg^?1, with high available potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) levels, though the ratio of Ca of the sum of available cations was usually appropriate. Despite the high electrical conductivity (EC) levels (4.31–8.87 dS m^?1) determined in some soils, no salinity symptoms were ever detected. Distribution and behavior of foliar nutrients nitrogen (N), P, K, Ca, magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) along time showed that nutritional needs varied in some cases among cultivars and species. L. patersonii presented the least N concentration, whereas ‘High Gold’ and ‘Veldfire’ had the greatest levels. Data denoted that P requirements were larger in younger plants, during the recovery after pruning, and while new buds developed. ‘Sunrise’ cultivar stood out for its large foliar levels of P, whereas ‘Scarlett Ribbon’ and ‘Veldfire’ had the least K contents. As a general pattern, K decreased in winter samplings. L. patersonii species and the cultivar ‘Sunrise’ exhibited the highest Ca values, and the same was true for Mg only in the species. A special need for Na appeared in all the cultivars and species studied. L. patersonii and the cultivar ‘Sunrise’ showed the greatest Na levels. A general stabilization of nutrient concentrations was observed in the fourth, fifth, and/or sixth samplings, so that November is recommended for taking samples for current foliar analysis. In this context, foliar ranges for the studied nutrients are suggested.     

RESPONSE OF LIME THYME TO SALINITY AND IONIC CONCENTRATION IN NUTRIENT SOLUTION

□ Plants from 60-day-old Lime Thyme (Thymus citriodorus) cuttings were potted in a medium of coconut fiber and peat moss and were treated with three different nutrient solutions: T1, T2, and T3. T1 was a standard nutrient solution; T2 was incremented with macronutrients up to an electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.8 dS m^?1; and T3 was the same as T1 but incremented up to an EC of 2.8 dS m^?1 with sodium chloride. The plants were then grown for 90 days in a greenhouse with natural daylight in Almería, Spain. Root growth was not affected by the treatments. The dry weight of the leaves and the total dry weight of the plants benefited from the salinity. The specific salinity of the sodium chloride negatively affected growth compared to the same salinity in the complete nutrient solution.     

Salinity effect on root and shoot characteristics of common and tepary beans evaluated under hydroponic solution and sand culture

The effects of increased salinity [NaCl + CaCl₂] on seedling of three tepary and four common bean cultivars/lines, of known resistance and susceptibility at germination stage, grown for thirty‐eight‐days in salinized hydroponic and sand cultures were assessed at electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.89 (control), 4.00, 8.00, and 12.00 dS/m of half strength Hoagland solution inside a glasshouse at 30/25±2°C day/night temperature. The hydroponic culture screening method was more severe than the sand culture method. Common bean cultivars/lines expressed genetic variability to salinity stress at thirty‐eight‐days old seedlings. ‘Badrieh’ was tolerant to salinity as the tolerant tepary bean T#l line under sand culture. However, this was not evident under hydroponic culture. T#l showed salinity injury symptoms at EC = 4 dS/m, while ‘Badrieh’ showed’ no salinity injury symptoms at EC = 4 dS/m. These results indicate that the mechanisms involved for tolerating salinity in the tepary could be different from that involved in common beans. Inverse and significant correlations between salinity injury symptoms and several root and shoot characters were evident from the data, indicating that variation in whole‐plant foliar injury symptoms to salinity would thus seem to provide the best means of initial selection of salinity tolerant genotypes by plant breeders.     

Effect of different macronutrient cation ratios on macronutrient and water uptake by melon (Cucumis melo) grown in recirculating nutrient solution

The aim of the present study was to determine uptake ratios between macronutrients and water for melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Dikti) grown in a closed soilless cropping system. The obtained data can be used to establish standard nutrient solution compositions for melon crops grown in closed hydroponic systems under Mediterranean climatic conditions. Nutrient and water uptake by plants in the closed hydroponic system was compensated for by supplying replenishment nutrient solutions (RNS) differing either in the concentrations of K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ or in their mutual ratio. The RNS, used as control treatment, had an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.74 dS m^?1 and contained 6.5 mM K⁺, 2.8 mM Ca²⁺, and 1.0 mM Mg²⁺ (K⁺ : Ca²⁺ : Mg²⁺ = 0.63 : 0.27 : 0.10). Control RNS was compared with two other RNS, both with a high Ca²⁺ level (4.2 mM). The K⁺ and Mg²⁺ levels in these two RNSs were: (1) not altered (corresponding to a ratio of K⁺ : Ca²⁺ : Mg²⁺ = 0.55 : 0.36 : 0.09; EC = 2.0 dS m^?1) or (2) increased to maintain the same K⁺ : Ca²⁺ : Mg²⁺ ratio as in the control RNS (EC = 2.45 dS m^?1). Nutrient to water uptake ratios, commonly termed uptake concentrations (UCs), were assessed by two alternative methods, i.e., (1) estimating the ratio between nutrient and water removal from the system or (2) estimating the ratio between the mass of the nutrient that was recovered from plant biomass and the water consumption. Over the two methods, mean UCs for N, P, K, Ca and Mg were 15.4, 1.31, 5.47, 3.78, and 1.02 mmol L^?1, respectively, and tissue analysis resulted in a K : Ca : Mg molar ratio of = 0.55 : 0.34 : 0.11 in the whole plant. Moreover, the UCs tended to decrease as the crop aged although, in absolute values, the mass of nutrients absorbed increased following dry‐weight accumulation. Based on the obtained results, adapting the composition of the nutrient solution at least three times during the cropping period of melon is recommended. Further, the results revealed that the damage caused by the increase of the EC when attempting to maintain a target K⁺ : Ca²⁺ : Mg²⁺ ratio in the replenishment NS is higher than the benefits from the optimal cation ratio. Increasing K⁺ and Mg²⁺ concentration in addition to that of Ca²⁺ to maintain a standard K⁺ : Ca²⁺ : Mg²⁺ ratio raises the EC in the root zone (4.62 dS m^?1), due to increased accumulation of nutrients, thereby reducing the mean fruit weight and concomitantly the total fruit yield (20% decrease). Leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll parameters and fruit taste quality were not influenced by the differences in macronutrient cation concentrations or ratios in the RNS, whereas phenolics and antioxidant capacity in melon fruit were enhanced by the increased root‐zone EC.