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The portable hydroponic system

(iii) The nutrient solution concentration ranged from 2.4 height, fresh weight, number of leaves, and the time to
to 2.5 mS/cm. reach the baby leaf stage. The optimal concentration
range for EM-5 was 1.8 – 2.0%. The microorganisms
Fresh weight was significantly influenced by the
concentration of nutrient solution and the temperature of in EM-5 positively affected the root system, enhancing
both air and nutrient solution.Based on the response surface nutrient and water absorption, which in turn improved
analysis, the optimal number of leaves was observed to be overall plant health and development.
between 7 and 9 pieces. In addition, the analysis identified The optimum temperature for both air and nutrient
the following rational values of the studied factors: solution for the growth of Rutan basil was 24 – 26°C. This
(i) The EM-5 concentrate for pre-sowing seed temperature range promoted plant height, accelerated
treatment ranged from 1.9% to 2.1%, development to the baby leaf stage, and increased leaf
(ii) The temperature of air and nutrient solution was weight and number. However, temperatures exceeding
maintained within 25 – 27°C, 26°C may induce plant stress and reduce overall quality.
(iii) The concentration of nutrient solution ranged from Furthermore, a reduced nutrient solution
2.4 to 2.5 mS/cm. concentration (0.5 mS/cm) fails to supply sufficient
nutrients for normal plant development, resulting in
All factors—along with their interactions—were slower growth, lower plant weight, and fewer leaves.
found to influence the number of leaves. In contrast, increasing the concentration to the optimum
To analyze the influence of the studied factors on level (2.4 – 2.5 mS/cm) significantly enhanced all
the optimization criteria, experimental scatter plots growth parameters.
with histograms (Figure 7) were generated. These
visualizations help identify the rational values of each Acknowledgments
parameter and estimate the actual values for plant
height, time to reach the baby leaf stage, fresh weight, None.
and number of leaves.
Therefore, the proposed technological improvements Funding
in the portable hydroponic NFT system, combined with
the use of the microbial preparation EM-5 concentrate, None.
offer a promising strategy to enhance seed germination
and growth, reduce maturation time, and improve plant Conflict of interest
weight and number of leaves during pre-sowing seed
treatment. Optimizing the temperature of both the air The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
and the nutrient solution also contributes to an increase
in the studied parameters and enhances their qualitative Author contributions
characteristics. Among all factors, the nutrient solution
concentration is the most influential. An increased Conceptualization: Kateryna Vasylkovska, Mykola
concentration ensures a continuous supply of nutrients Kovalov
to the plants, thereby promoting improved plant growth. Data curation: Mykola Kovalov, Kateryna Vasylkovska
Formal analysis: Daria Michailova
4. Conclusion Investigation: Mykola Kovalov, Daria Michailova
Methodology: Oleksii Vasylkovskyi, Kateryna Vasylkovska
The proposed improvements to the portable hydroponic Project administration: Kateryna Vasylkovska
NFT system – including the use of a roller system – allow Writing – original draft: Kateryna Vasylkovska
for easy movement of the plant as needed. In addition, Writing – review & editing: Kateryna Vasylkovska,
upgrading the lighting system with a phytomatrix Mykola Kovalov
containing red and blue LED elements in a 4:1 ratio
promotes optimal acceleration of photosynthesis
and the development of structural plant components. Availability of data
This improvement contributes to increased yield, as
confirmed by the experimental findings. The data are available from the respective authors
Pre-sowing seed treatment with the EM-5 concentrate (Kateryna Vasylkivska and Mykola Kovalov) upon
enhanced key growth parameters, including plant reasonable request.

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 195 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025170132