Growth and yield of Arugula (Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa) in static hydroponic with CaCl2 application

Arugula (Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa) is a leaf vegetable plant from the Brassicaceae family. The high calcium content in Arugula tissue made it one of the recommended sources of nutrients. However, the dynamics of tissue formation and calcium content in Arugula plants depend on the cultivation practices. To intensify Arugula cultivation, hydroponic techniques can be an option. Plant inputs according to the need is beneficial for nutritional efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CaCl2 application on the growth and yield of Arugula plants in a static hydroponic system. The research was conducted between April – July 2021 at Jakarta AIAT greenhouse. Five levels of CaCl2 application, namely:1) 0 ppm as control, 2) 350 ppm, 3) 450 ppm, 4) 550 ppm, and 5) 650 ppm, were tested in a completely randomized block design with 5 replications. AB Mix 750 ppm solution was given as the essential treatment in this study. The results showed that the CaCl2 application was not affected significantly either on plant height or wet weight. AB Mix solutions application without the addition of CaCl2 was sufficient to increase plant height, number of leaves, total weight, as well as root weight. In conclusion, the CaCl2 application did not improve the Arugula’s growth and yield. However, application of 450 ppm CaCl2 gave the lowest risk of crop failure (5%) compared to other treatments.