Effects of different nutrient solution contents on yield and quality of greenhouse potted cucumber

The effects of different concentrations and ways of supplying nutrient solution on yield and quality of greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) were investigated in a greenhouse potted cucumber experiment. Four levels of nutrient solution concentrations were applied at 1/2S, 3/4 S, 1S and 1S (1S Yamazaki cucumber nutrient solution concentration as the standard concentration) with negative pressure water supplying and controlling pot device, and the 1S (CK) treatment with traditional irrigation method were used as CK. The results show that the shoot dry weight and yield are positively and significantly correlated with the nutrient solution concentrations. Compared with the 1S (CK) treatment, the shoot dry weight and yield are significantly increased under the 1S treatment, while nutrient solution use efficiency is not significantly affected by different concentrations and ways of supplying nutrient solution. The general qualities of cucumber are improved with the growing process. At the earlier stage, the qualities are significantly affected by the concentration of nutrient solution, and the quality under the 1S treatment is much better. At the middle stage, the fruit qualities under the 1S and 1S treatments are better than other treatments. At the terminal stage, the quality is no significantly affected by the concentration of nutrient solution, and the qualities under the 1/2S and 1S (CK) treatments are better. Thus the 1S nutrient solution with the way of negative pressure water supplying and controlling pot device is an efficient method for increasing yield and improving quality of greenhouse potted cucumber. Also increasing the nutrient solution concentration at the earlier stage and decreasing the nutrient solution concentration at the terminal stage can improve the general quality of greenhouse cucumber.