Comparative Effects of AB Mix and Fish-Emulsion Fertilizer Prepared with Conventional Water or Air-Conditioner Condensate on Hydroponically Grown Caisim (Brassica rapa L.)

Nurul Huda Panggabean; Nurbaity Situmorang; Yossie Ulfa Nuzalifa; Ahmad Faisal Nasution; Fauziyah Harahap

doi:10.58905/jse.v7i1.853

Authors

Nurul Huda Panggabean Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Medan, Medan 20221, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Nurbaity Situmorang Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Medan, Medan 20221, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Yossie Ulfa Nuzalifa Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Medan, Medan 20221, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Ahmad Faisal Nasution Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health, Universitas Deztron Indonesia, Medan 20235, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Fauziyah Harahap Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Medan, Medan 20221, North Sumatra, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58905/jse.v7i1.853

Keywords:

Air-Conditioner Condensate, Fish Emulsion, Nutrient Film Technique

Abstract

Air-conditioner condensate water (ACW) and fish-processing residues could provide alternative inputs for hydroponic production, although their compatibility with crop nutrient requirements remains uncertain. This study evaluated the growth and biomass of caisim (Brassica rapa L.) supplied with AB Mix or fermented fish emulsion (FE) prepared using tap water (TW) or ACW. Twelve water–nutrient combinations comprising nominal additions of 20, 30, or 40 mL were evaluated alongside a nutrient-free TW control, with five plants per treatment. Plant height, root length, and leaf count were recorded at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after planting, whereas fresh weight and dry biomass were determined at harvest. Treatment, observation day, and their interaction significantly affected plant height and root length (P < 0.001). Leaf count was strongly affected by day and the treatment-by-day interaction, although its overall treatment effect was not significant. AB Mix generally produced greater shoot growth and biomass than FE. TW-AB40 yielded the greatest fresh weight and root length, identifying it as the most suitable formulation when marketable fresh production is prioritized. In contrast, ACW-AB30 produced the greatest dry biomass, indicating that ACW was compatible with effective mineral nutrition and dry-matter accumulation. Further development should focus on standardized mineral–fish-emulsion blends and the integration of ACW into controlled hydroponic nutrient management. Optimization across cultivation cycles may support the practical conversion of condensate water and fish-processing residues into complementary inputs for circular vegetable production.

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