Functional Effects of Calcium Sources in Soilless Lettuce Cultivation

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a widely consumed leafy vegetable cultivated globally, particularly under soilless systems to enable intensive and high-efficiency production. In these systems, precise nutrient solution management is essential, especially regarding calcium, an indispensable macronutrient involved in cell wall stabilization, membrane integrity, root development, and physiological responses to stress. This study evaluated the morphological and nutritional performance of crisp lettuce cultivars Mônica SF 31 and Veneranda grown using a nutrient film technique (NFT) system, using Calcário, Lithocal^®, and LT Supra^® as alternative calcium sources, alongside a control treatment. The experiment followed a randomized block design in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. Measured variables included root, leaf, and stem dry mass; stem length and diameter; and nutrient accumulation and gas exchange parameters. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared using Scott-knott test. Calcium supplementation significantly increased plant growth, with leaf fresh mass rising by 37% and root fresh mass by 56% compared to the control. Foliar calcium and magnesium concentrations were effectively enhanced by the treatments. Calcário, Lithocal^®, and LT Supra^® demonstrated effectiveness as calcium sources in soilless lettuce cultivation, promoting improved nutrient accumulation-particularly calcium and magnesium-and substantial gains in fresh biomass and root system development. Calcium supplementation is therefore recommended as a strategy to enhance productivity and crop quality in intensive soilless systems.