Comparison regarding yield and quality features of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) that grown in vertical farming (tower) system and soil condition

In this thesis, it was aimed to compare the effects of vertical farming (tower) system and traditional farming methods on yield, quality and plant nutrients in lettuce plants. Caipira lettuce cultivar was used as plant material and plants grown under vertical farming system and soil conditions were compared. As a result of the study, it was determined that plant weight varied between 111.58-216.18 g/plant, plant height 14.76-16.80 cm, leaf length 12.72-16.11 cm, root collar diameter 12.80-15.90 mm and number of leaves 20.50-24.97 pcs/plant. Plant root weight was found between 22.02-43.58 g. The highest yield value was obtained from vertical farming system with 4323 kg/da. Antioxidant content varied between 0.72-0.78 mmolTE/g and the highest value was 0.78 mmolTE/g in the vertical farming tower system. Total chlorophyll values obtained as a result of our study ranged between 0.53-0.76 mg/g and the highest value was determined in vertical farming with 0.76 mg/g. As a result of the study, it was determined that L*, a* and b* values varied between 50.51-52.51, -18.29 to -18.60 and 31.80-31.88, respectively, and the highest L*, a* and b* values were reached in the vertical farming system. In addition, K, Mg, Ca and S values in lettuce leaves varied between 3.88-5.13 %, 0.20-0.37 %, 0.77-1.24 % and 0.22-0.26 %, respectively. Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn values were determined as follows; 6.27-8.60 mg/kg, 23.72-51.28 mg/kg, 40.22-67.72 mg/kg and 21.46-42.32 mg/kg respectively. These findings indicate that vertical farming systems can be reliable cultivation methods to obtain acceptable products.