Comparative analysis of Chlorophyll concentration in different species of leafy vegetables cultivated in soil and hydroponic system

Abstract

Leafy vegetables are an important vegetable crop that grows easily under controlled conditions, such as in hydroponic. A plant's leaf colours can be used to indicate stress levels due to its adaptability to environmental changes. In this study, the samples were cultivated in the backyard of the Life Science department in Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh during January to April 2024. In this study, fresh mature leaves of soil-cultivated plants and hydroponically cultivated plants were taken for chlorophyll estimation. The sample was tested using an acetone solution (80%) and the information from the spectrum was calculated using the Arnon’s method. The levels of Chl. a and Chl. b in soil-grown and hydroponically grown plants have been found to differ. Hydroponic cultivated plants show a high amount of total chlorophyll content as compared to soil-based plants and the reason behind the high level of chlorophyll content ina hydroponic system is controlled environmental conditions that mean precise control over light, temperature, and nutrient availability and are highly specific from species to species whereas, in a soil-based system, it is difficult to maintain such condition.