Development of Nutrient Solution Compositions for Paprika Cultivation in a Closed Coir Substrate Hydroponic System in Republic of Korea’s Winter Cropping Season

Other than in highland areas, the majority of paprika growers Republic Korea transplant during late summer and cultivate when temperatures are relatively low. Additionally, they typically apply European nutrient solutions hydroponic technologies with different climates cultivation periods. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine optimal solution composition based on growth stages suitable for (Capsicum annum L.) closed systems a coir substrate winter cropping season. The were supplied all plants at pH 5.8–6.0 electrical conductivity (EC) 2.0–3.5 dS·m−1 according target EC setting each stage. mixing ratio reused (drainage) fresh maintained within 30% an basis (0.6–1.1 dS∙m−1) irrigation event. Paprika ‘Cupra’ grown three using automated fertilizer dosing system integrated solar radiation (ISR). Nutrient absorption patterns investigated solution. To reduce nutritional imbalances major nutrients root zone (RZ, substrate), ‘NIHHS (National Institute Horticultural Herbal Sciences)’ adjusted considering nutrition stages, ion balances between anions cations, differences concentrations RZ irrigation. NIHHS-Coir1 NIHHS-Coir2 5–10% 10–15% readjustments macronutrient NIHHS, respectively, used evaluate suitabilities productivity, whilst IKC (Informatie en Kennis Centrum) as control. We influence these growth, yield, photosynthetic responses compared conventional Throughout entire period, newly formulated had marketable fruit (%) 2.4–3.5% higher yield (kg/m2) 5.3–8.7% those