The Influence of different growing media on growth performance and essential mineral accumulation in Brassica juncea L.

ABSTRACT

Microgreens are nutrient-dense vegetables widely cultivated in urban agriculture because of their short production cycle and high nutritional value. Although previous studies have demonstrated that growing media influence microgreen growth and nutritional quality, limited information is available on whether a single growing medium can simultaneously optimize biomass production and the accumulation of specific essential minerals. Therefore, this study compared five commonly used growing media to determine their effects on growth performance and the accumulation of manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), and chloride (Cl) in green mustard microgreens (Brassica juncea L.). The study used a single-factor Randomized Block Design with five treatments and five replications: M0 (soil), M1 (cocopeat), M2 (vermiculite), M3 (rockwool), and M4 (perlite). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by a 5% Least Significant Difference test. Growing media significantly affected all measured growth parameters and mineral concentrations. Soil produced the greatest plant height (6.602 cm), leaf area (1.013 cm²), net assimilation rate (0.818 g cm⁻² day⁻¹), and crop growth rate (2.398 g m⁻² day⁻¹). Perlite formed the highest statistical group for phosphorus accumulation (756.0 mg/100g), vermiculite produced the highest manganese concentration (65.8 mg/100g), whereas cocopeat accumulated the greatest chloride concentration (4617.8 mg/100g). The findings demonstrate that no single growing medium simultaneously optimized both biomass production and mineral accumulation. Soil is recommended when biomass production is prioritized, whereas vermiculite, cocopeat, and perlite may be selected according to specific mineral enrichment objectives. These findings provide practical guidance for urban agriculture and functional-food production by supporting goal-oriented growing-medium selection.