The objective of this study was to evaluate irrigation intervals on the production of lettuce, cv. Regina, in an NFT hydroponic system. An experiment was carried out at the Crop Science Department, Federal University of Santa Maria, from May to June 2005. Treatments were three irrigation intervals (15min, 30min, and 45min) after a 15 minutes irrigation. The experimental design was a complete randomized block design with three replications. Leaf area, and above ground and total dry matter were measured at transplanting, and at 6, 9, 16, 20 and 23 days after transplanting. The treatment 45 minutes interval between successive irrigations allowed a 42,1% saving electric energy without decreasing lettuce yeld.
Lactuca sativa L.; yield; growth variables; electric energy
