Agro Bali : Agricultural Journal e-ISSN 2655-853X

Vol. 8 No. 1: 102-113, March 2025 https://doi.org/10.37637/ab.v8i1.2249

Optimization of Growing Media to Support Microgreens Growth and

Nutritional Profile

I Made Sukewijaya1, Rindang Dwiyani2, and Putu Oki Bimantara1

1
Agrotechnology Study program, Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia
2
Agroecotechnology Masters Study program, Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia

Corresponding author email: [email protected].
Article history: submitted: January 8, 2024; accepted: March 1, 2025; available online: March 28, 2025
Abstract. Microgreens are young seedlings of edible vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Growing media plays a vital
role in plant growth and the biosynthesis of multiple metabolites that improve the nutritional profile of microgreen.
This study evaluated the effect of growing media from a combination of soil, husk charcoal, and perlite with a
specific ratio of 1:1:1 (SHP 111), 2:1:1 (SHP 211), 1:2:1 (SHP 121), and 1:1:2 (SHP 112) on the nutrition profile
and fresh weight of several microgreen plants, including water spinach, red spinach, green mustard, red lettuce,
green spinach, and bok choy. The nutrient contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the growing media
were quantified in this study. The data analysis was performed using Duncan’s multiple range test to assess the
quantity of vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidant capacity, and fresh weight at a 5% confidence level. The results
showed that SHP121 media exhibited moderate levels of nitrogen (0.23%), very high phosphorus (238.68 ppm),
and high potassium (324.69 ppm. The highest vitamin A was found in red spinach in SHP111 (27.77 mg 100 g-1)
and SHP112 (22.72 mg 100 g-1) media. The highest vitamin C was found in green mustard in SHP111 media
(66.44 mg 100 g-1) and in bok choy in SHP112 media (61.25 mg 100 g-1). The highest antioxidant capacity was
found in Bok choy in SHP121 media (386.4 mg AAEAC 1000 g-1) and the highest fresh weight was found in water
spinach in SHP121 media (4.03 g). In conclusion, SHP121 media can be recommended to support the balanced
growth and nutritional quality of microgreen plants, especially bok choy, and water spinach. This study provides
insights into how specific combinations of growing media can enhance the growth and nutritional content of
microgreens. Future studies could focus on optimizing nutrient levels and environmental conditions to maximize
the antioxidant properties and other bioactive compounds in microgreens.
Keywords: antioxidant; husk charcoal; perlite; soil; vitamin

INTRODUCTION positively to human health and nutrition

(Muftiyatunnisa et al., 2023; Renna &
Microgreens are young seedlings of
Paradiso, 2020).
edible vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Several factors significantly affect
Research on microgreens has significantly
increased in recent years due to the nutritional microgreen growth, including light quality
and intensity, growing medium, nutrient
profile and health benefits offered by
availability, and environmental conditions.
microgreens. Microgreens are harvested
The choice of growing medium plays a vital
shortly after germination, generally within 10
role in supporting plant growth, nutrition, and
to 20 days, and are known to contain higher
antioxidant properties. Substrates with
concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and
varying nutrient concentrations can impact
bioactive compounds compared to mature
nutrient uptake, overall plant health, and the
plants (Johnson et al., 2021; Puccinelli et al.,
bioactive compounds produced. Research
2019; Weber, 2017). The high antioxidant
indicates that low-nutrient substrates can help
content of microgreens underlies much
manage nutrient levels effectively, leading to
interest in these plants. Various studies have
better control of the greenery's nutrient
shown that microgreens exhibit various
content (Di Gioia et al., 2017). Additionally,
pharmacological activities arising from their
organic matter such as compost can improve
antioxidant properties, such as anti-
growth and nutritional quality (Poudel et al.,
inflammatory and anti-diabetic (Balázs et al.,
2023). Interactions between growing media
2023; Bhaswant et al., 2023; Tallei et al.,
and nutrient solutions can also enhance
2024). Research suggests that microgreens
growth parameters such as fresh weight and
can serve as functional foods, contributing
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
License. Copyright © 2025 the authors
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specific bioactive compounds (Septirosya et improving root development. Studies have

al., 2024). Studies have shown that a balanced shown that husk charcoal can increase
nutrient solution improves the yield and chlorophyll and carotenoid content in plants,
nutritional profile of microgreens, although improving their nutritional quality (Charloq,
careful monitoring is needed to avoid 2024). In this region, coconut husks are the
excessive nitrate accumulation, which is main material used in husk charcoal
common in certain species (Li, Lalk, & Bi, production, selected for their abundance and
2021; Li, Lalk, Arthur, et al., 2021). effectiveness in supporting sustainable
Furthermore, modulation of environmental agricultural practices.
factors during early growth stages Perlite, a volcanic glass widely used in
significantly influences the morphology and horticulture, is known for its lightweight
phytochemical content of microgreens, properties and excellent drainage capabilities.
enabling customized production strategies to It prevents soil compaction and provides
meet market demands (Amitrano et al., 2023; aeration to the root zone, supporting healthy
Sharma et al., 2023). plant growth. Research suggests that adding
The selection of a suitable growing perlite to growing media reduces the negative
medium is critical to the success of effects of high electrical conductivity (EC)
microgreen cultivation, as it directly affects and salinity levels, improving plant height
their growth, yield, and nutritional quality. and overall growth. Additionally, perlite
Soil is a common growing medium that supports the growth of various greens,
provides a natural source of nutrients and including kale and arugula, especially when
supports microbial activity, promoting plant combined with organic substrates (Saleh et
growth. However, using pure soil can al., 2022). Its ability to retain moisture while
sometimes limit the growth of certain plants, facilitating drainage makes it ideal for use in
such as mustard greens, which exhibit poor soil-less and hydroponic systems (Bhaswant
growth in pure soil compared to other et al., 2023).
growing media combinations. While organic The use of soil, husk charcoal, and perlite
matter in the soil can increase moisture as growing media for microgreens offers
retention and nutrient availability, it may also distinct advantages that can improve growth
cause issues like compaction and poor and nutritional quality. Soil provides a natural
drainage if not properly managed source of nutrients, husk charcoal improves
Husk charcoal, derived from the aeration and moisture retention, and perlite
carbonization of agricultural residues, is ensures excellent drainage and prevents
beneficial in microgreen production due to its compaction. An optimal combination of these
ability to improve aeration, drainage, and media can produce successful greenery,
moisture retention essential factors for maximizing crop yields and health benefits.
germination and plant growth. While husk This study was conducted to evaluate the
charcoal is often produced as a by-product of effect of planting media consisting of soil,
burning organic materials like coconut husks husk charcoal, and perlite with a specific ratio
for fuel or energy, it differs from biochar, on the growth of several microgreen plants,
which is specifically produced for including water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica
environmental and agricultural applications. Forssk.), red spinach (Amaranthus dubius
Biochar is created under controlled Mart.), green mustard (Brassica juncea (L.)
conditions at lower temperatures to preserve Czern.), red lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), green
its carbon structure, improving soil health and spinach (Amaranthus viridis L.), and bok
promoting carbon sequestration (Roberts et choy (Brassica rapa L.).
al., 2010). In contrast, husk charcoal is The effect of growing media was
primarily used to enhance plant growth, as it evaluated through several nutritional
helps retain moisture and nutrients while parameters, including vitamin C content,

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vitamin A, antioxidant capacity, and fresh above the soil line using scissors or sharp
weight. cutting tools.

METHODS Evaluation of Total N, available P and K

and moisture content of the growing
The study was conducted in August - medium
October 2024 at Udayana University using We measured the nitrogen (N),
planting space boxes with dimensions of 35 phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content in
cm × 35 cm × 20 cm. The planting room box the growing medium before planting. The
temperature during the study ranged from 25 analysis was conducted after mixing the soil
- 29 C. The study was designed using a with different growing media materials at
Factorial Experiment with the basic design of varying ratios. Nitrogen content is
Randomized Block Design (RBD), where the determined by the Kjeldahl method
two factors were the type of microgreens and (Bremner, 1979), phosphorus content by UV-
the planting media. The first factor was the VIS spectrophotometry (Shimadzu) (Murphy
type of microgreens, which included water & Riley, 1958), and potassium content using
spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.), red atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
spinach (Amaranthus dubius Mart.), green (Knudsen et al., 1982).
mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.), red For nitrogen analysis, approximately 0.5–
lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), green spinach 1 gram of the growing medium sample was
(Amaranthus viridis L.), and bok choy added to a mixture of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)
(Brassica rapa L.). The second factor was the and copper sulfate catalyst in a digester tube
planting media composition, which consisted and heated to a clear solution to convert
of a combination of soil, husk charcoal, and nitrogen to ammonium sulfate. A strong base
perlite in the following ratios: 1:1:1 (NaOH) is added to the digestion solution;
(SHP111), 2:1:1 (SHP211), 1:2:1 (SHP121), then the resulting ammonia is distilled into a
and 1:1:2 (SHP112). Each treatment was boric acid solution. The boric acid solution
replicated three times. containing ammonia is titrated to calculate
the nitrogen content with an acid standard
Plant growth and harvest solution (H₂SO₄) (Bremner, 1979).
Planting was carried out by preparing For phosphorus analysis we used Bray-1,
planting media containing soil, husk the growing medium samples were extracted
charcoal, and perlite. Planting media were using Bray solutions. Extract solutions are
weighed according to the predetermined mixed with ammonium molybdate reagents,
composition by volume percentage per forming yellow complexes. The absorbance
volume (v/v), then 1 kg of each media was put of the complex is measured with a
into planting containers and labeled. 3 grams spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 420-
of seeds were planted per container after 660 nm. Phosphorus content was calculated
sowing in the planting media and then based on the standard curve (Murphy &
covered. The planted seeds were left without Riley, 1958).
lighting for one 24-hour period to increase For potassium analysis, the growing
seed germination. Planting box placed in a medium samples were extracted using an
UV-coated paranet room. Maintenance ammonium acetate solution (1N) to release
carried out from planting to harvest is the available potassium. Potassium in the
watering. Watering is done from planting to extract solution was analyzed using AAS at a
harvesting by spraying once every morning. wavelength of 766.490 nm, which measured
The plants were harvested on the 14th day of the intensity of light absorbed by the
planting. Microgreens are harvested by potassium atoms in the solution. Potassium
cutting microgreens as high as one centimeter concentration was calculated based on a

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standard curve with pure potassium solution picrylhydrazyl) method. Preparation of 0.1
(Knudsen et al., 1982). mM DPPH was carried out by dissolving 4
The moisture content of the media was mg DPPH in 1000 ml methanol. The 1000
determined using the gravimetric method by ppm extract was prepared by weighing 12.5
heating the sample in an oven at 105°C for 24 mg of extract, dissolved in 1250 l dimethyl
hours or until the weight was constant. After sulfoxide, heated until dissolved, and
drying, the samples were cooled in a vortexed. The antioxidant activity test was
desiccator. The formula for calculating water carried out by taking 50 μl and putting it into
content is presented in Equation 1 (Klute A., a test tube, adding 450 μl of methanol, then
1965). adding 3 ml of DPPH solution, vortexed until
𝐴−𝐵 homogeneous, allowed to stand for 30
.Water content = 𝐵 𝑥 100% ……. 1)
A: Wet weight (g)
minutes in a closed and dark room. The
B: Dry weight (g) absorbance was measured on UV-vis
spectrophotometry with a wavelength of 517
Evaluation of Fresh Weigh, Vitamin A, nm.
Vitamin C, and Antioxidant Capacity Antioxidant vitamin C test was done by
The fresh weight of microgreens was dissolving 20 mg of vitamin C in 100 ml of
measured after harvesting; weighing was 96% ethanol. Solutions were made with
done by taking microgreens in plastic tubs of several concentrations, namely 500 μl, 400
each treatment, including stems, cotyledon μl, 300 μl, 200 μl, 100 μl methanol were
leaves, and true leaves. The fresh weight of added to each concentration. Then, 3 ml of
microgreens was weighed using analytical DPPH solution was added, and the
scales in grams (g). absorbance was measured using UV-Vis
Vitamin C extraction and analysis were spectrophotometry with a wavelength of 517
performed concerning Sérino et al., (2019) nm. Percent inhibition of the sample was
and Stevens et al., (2006). Vitamin C was calculated using the formula as presented in
extracted using 6% trichloroacetic acid. A Equation 2 (Blois, 1958):
𝐴−𝐵
total of 20 µL of extractant from each sample Percentage of inhibition (%) = x
𝐴
was added into a microplate and reacted with 100% ……. 2)
dithiothreitol, N-ethyl maleimide, and color A : Absorbance of blanko
reagents in the order they were obtained, and B : Absorbance of sample
absorbance was recorded at 550 nm. Vitamin C and A content values are
The sample was extracted by expressed as mg/100 g fresh weight while
soxhletation using 100 ml of acetone then antioxidant capacity is expressed as mg
refluxed with petroleum ether 3x as much as Ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity
35 ml, the filtrate was then saponified with (AAEAC)/1000 g.
15% KOH as much as 20 ml and allowed to
stand overnight. The saponification results Data Analysis
were re-extracted with petroleum ether 3 Data were subject to analysis of
times as much as 25 ml in a separating funnel, variance. Significant differences between
washed with distilled water, and then dried
treatments were separated by Duncan’s
with anhydrous Na2SO4. A blank solution Multiple Range Test. P <0.05 was considered
was prepared with 10ml of N-hexane.
statistically significant.
Vitamin A standard solution was measured at
a wavelength of 610 - 628 nm. The vitamin A RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
value was determined based on the vitamin A
standard curve. In this study, several compositions of
Antioxidant capacity analysis was microgreen plant media were evaluated on
performed the using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-1- the growth and nutritional parameters of

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several microgreen plants. In this study, the microgreen plants. SHP211 and SHP112
planting media used was a combination of soil, media have very low nitrogen levels but still
husk charcoal, and perlite in a specific ratio. perform well in certain crops. The choice of
Test results on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), growing media significantly influences
and potassium (K) content (Table 1) showed microgreens' growth, nutritional quality, and
that SHP121 media had moderate levels of antioxidant activity. Various substrates,
nitrogen (0.23%), very high phosphorus including soil, husk charcoal, and perlite, have
(238.68 ppm), and high potassium (324.69 been studied for their effects on fresh weight
ppm), which was the best combination to and nutritional content, particularly vitamins
support various nutritional parameters of A and C, and overall antioxidant activity.

Table 1. The quantity of nutrients in the growing media

Media Nitrogen (%) Phosphor (ppm) Potassium (ppm) Water content
(%)
SHP 111 0.17 (L) 234.98 (VH) 254.85 (H) 2.93
SHP211 0.02 (VL) 192.10 (VH) 298.73 (H) 2.48
SHP121 0.23 (M) 238.68 (VH) 324.69 (H) 3.90
SHP112 0.11 (L) 127.97 (VH) 250.52 (H) 2.21
Note: The letter following the number in the NPK level indicates the quantity of nutrients in the soil.
The classification for each parameter, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is categorized based on the
following levels: L (low), VL (very low), M (moderate), H (high), and VH (very high), as outlined by Balai
Pengujian Standar Instrumen Tanah dan Pupuk (2023).

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and contributing to the nutritional quality of

potassium (K) are essential macronutrients harvested products (Jansen et al., 2015;
that play an important role in plant growth Manaroinsong et al., 2014).
and nutrition. Each nutrient contributes The nutrient profile and fresh weight of
uniquely to various physiological processes, microgreens are shown in Table 2 and Figure
and their availability can significantly affect 1. The highest vitamin A content was found
plant health, yield, and nutritional quality. in red spinach (RS) in SHP111 (27.77 mg/100
Nitrogen is essential for plant growth as it is g) and SHP112 (22.72 mg/100 g) media, the
a critical component of amino acids, proteins, highest vitamin C was found in green mustard
nucleic acids, and chlorophyll, which are (GM) in SHP111 (66.44 mg/100 g) media and
essential for photosynthesis and overall plant bok choy (BC) in SHP112 (61.25 mg/100 g)
metabolism (Bellamkonda, 2022; Wu et al., media, and the highest antioxidant capacity
2023; Yang et al., 2023). Phosphorus (P) is was produced by the use of SHP 121 media
another essential nutrient that supports on bok choy (BC) (386.4 mg AAEAC/1000
various metabolic processes, including g). The plant with the highest fresh weight
energy transfer through ATP (adenosine was water spinach (WS) on SHP121 media
triphosphate) and nucleic acid synthesis. (4.03 g), indicating optimal growth
Phosphorus is essential in root development, performance on this media.
and flowering is critical for reproductive In this study, SHP121 growing medium
success and crop yield (Manaroinsong et al., in bok choy plants produced the highest
2014). Potassium (K) regulates various antioxidant capacity. SHP121 showed high
physiological processes, including potassium levels in the media. Several studies
osmoregulation, enzyme activation, and have shown a correlation between high
photosynthesis. Potassium increases plant potassium levels and increased production of
resistance to stress conditions such as drought secondary metabolites, including phenolic
and disease, thereby improving overall plant compounds and flavonoids, known for their
health and productivity. Potassium also plays antioxidant properties. Research by Gan et
a role in protein and starch synthesis, al., (2010) showed a positive correlation

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between total antioxidant capacity and potassium can increase the activity of
phenolic content in traditional medicinal antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide
plants, indicating that phenolic compounds dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), which
significantly contribute to the antioxidant are essential for reducing oxidative stress
capacity of these plants. Another study (Fernandes et al., 2014). Research shows that
showed that high potassium levels can applying phosphorus and potassium
increase the accumulation of phenols in fertilizers positively affects the nutrient status
Allium schoenoprasum, which contributes to in winter triticale plants, leading to increased
an increase in antioxidant capacity (Štajner et antioxidant levels (Gaj, 2012). Moreover, the
al., 2011). Potassium has also been shown to interaction between these nutrients can
increase the synthesis of glucosinolates, increase the production of secondary
which are bioactive compounds with metabolites, such as phenolics and
antioxidant properties. Research shows that flavonoids, known for their antioxidant
potassium can enhance glucosinolate properties (Arbačauskas et al., 2023).
synthesis in Chinese kale, contributing to the Soil as a growing medium provides
plant's antioxidant capacity (Chang et al., essential nutrients and supports microbial
2019). This relationship underscores the activity, enhancing plant growth and nutrient
importance of potassium in promoting the uptake. Research shows that different soil
synthesis of beneficial phytochemicals that types can lead to variations in crop yields and
enhance antioxidant activity. nutrient profiles. Research shows that soil
All growing media used in this study physicochemical properties, such as pH and
contained high levels of phosphorus and organic matter content, directly affect the
potassium nutrients. Studies have shown that availability of nutrients such as calcium and
adequate phosphorus and potassium levels magnesium, which are critical for plant health
can enhance plant growth and increase (D’Imperio et al., 2021; Poudel et al., 2023).
vitamin and antioxidant production. The microbial community in the soil also
Potassium in plant media can increase plays an essential role in nutrient cycling,
phosphorus nutrients and overall nutrient thus affecting the overall quality of the greens
uptake, which is very important for (Chang et al., 2019; Mariam Paul &
synthesizing essential compounds, including Harikumar, 2021). In addition, organic matter
vitamins (Han et al., 2023). in the soil can improve water retention and
Vitamin A, mainly in the form of aeration, which is essential for healthy root
carotenoids, is synthesized in plants through development (Bulgari et al., 2021).
metabolic pathways that require sufficient The use of husk charcoal as a growing
phosphorus for energy transfer and potassium medium can improve its physical properties,
for enzyme activation. Research has such as aeration and drainage. Husk charcoal
indicated that higher potassium levels can has porous properties that improve moisture
enhance carotenoid synthesis, increasing retention while preventing soil compaction,
vitamin A content in crops such as tomatoes which is essential for root growth. Studies
(Jędrszczyk, 2010). Similarly, phosphorus have shown that using husk charcoal as part
has been shown to play a role in ascorbic acid of the growing medium can increase the fresh
(vitamin C) accumulation in various plant weight and improve the nutrient content of
species, as it is involved in the biosynthetic green vegetables, especially vitamin content
pathways that produce this essential nutrient and antioxidant activity (Bayineni & Herur
(Singh et al., 2022). Both phosphorus and N, 2022; Liu et al., 2020). Charcoal can also
potassium contribute to the antioxidant improve the overall nutrient profile of greens
profile of plants by influencing the (Tallei et al., 2024).
production of antioxidant compounds and Perlite, another common substrate, is
enzymes. The presence of phosphorus and known for its lightweight and sterile

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characteristics, making it an excellent choice for vitamin A and C levels than those grown in
green vegetable cultivation. Its high porosity traditional soil (Li, Lalk, & Bi, 2021; Renna
promotes excellent drainage and aeration, & Paradiso, 2020). Perlite can also facilitate
crucial for preventing root rot and ensuring better nutrient absorption, increasing
healthy plant growth. Studies have shown that antioxidant activity in harvested microgreens
greens grown in perlite-based media often (Sharma et al., 2023).
exhibit higher fresh weights and increased

Table 2. The nutrient profile and fresh weight of microgreens

Vitamin A Vitamin C
Antioxidant Capacity Fresh Weight
Treatment (mg 100 g-1 mg 100 g-1 fresh
(mg AAEAC 1000 g-1) (g)
fresh weight) weight)
WS SHP 111 12.5 ± 0.16l 23.88 ± 0.36u 246.01 ± 3.75f 2.37 ± 0.17d
SHP211 14.87 ± 0.19i 29.08 ± 0.44q 205.23 ± 3.13j 3.66 ± 0.12b
SHP121 11.77 ± 0.15p 25.02 ± 0.38s 215.33 ± 3.28h 4.03 ± 0.20a
SHP112 17.61 ± 0.22f 23.81 ± 0.36u 198.92 ± 3.02l 3.25 ± 0.06c
RS SHP 111 27.77 ± 0.35a 34.68 ± 0.53n 201.91 ± 3.08k 0.08 ± 0.01l
SHP211 24.11 ± 0.30b 52.19 ± 0.79e 178.47 ± 2.72q 0.15 ± 0.04j
SHP121 13.48 ± 0.17 j
27.36 ± 0.42 r
170.51 ± 2.60 r
0.14 ± 0.03j
SHP112 22.72 ± 0.29c 58.61 ± 0.89c 197.27 ± 3.00m 0.11 ± 0.02l
GM SHP 111 11.85 ± 0.15p 66.44 ± 1.01a 318.62 ± 4.85b 0.48 ± 0.19f
SHP211 14.87 ± 0.19i 24.39 ± 0.37t 266.02 ± 4.05d 0.61 ± 0.09f
SHP121 12.33 ± 0.15m 34.48 ± 0.52o 286.57 ± 4.36c 0.54 ± 0.05f
SHP112 17.62 ± 0.22f 35.85 ± 0.54m 212.73 ± 3.24i 0.55 ± 0.09f
RL SHP 111 12.01 ± 0.15o 32.54 ± 0.50p 183.34 ± 2.79o 0.3 ± 0.03i
SHP211 10.49 ± 0.13r 38.5 ± 0.59k 180.7 ± 2.75p 0.34 ± 0.01h
SHP121 8.2 ± 0.11t 45.32 ± 0.69h 213.65 ± 3.25i 0.31 ± 0.02i
SHP112 11.02 ± 0.14q 44.75 ± 0.68i 245.79 ± 3.74f 0.42 ± 0.09g
GS SHP 111 17.04 ± 0.21g 45.35 ± 0.69h 190.95 ± 2.91n 0.1 ± 0.02l
SHP211 20.64 ± 0.26e 32.83 ± 0.50p 206.52 ± 3.15j 0.14 ± 0.02k
SHP121 9.32 ± 0.12s 48.66 ± 0.74g 147.69 ± 2.25s 0.11 ± 0.01l
SHP112 21.17 ± 0.27d 50.95 ± 0.77f 257.86 ± 3.93e 0.09 ± 0.02l
BC SHP 111 12.25 ± 0.16n 43.44 ± 0.66j 216.8 ± 3.30h 0.54 ± 0.04f
SHP211 16.73 ± 0.21 n
37.75 ± 0.58 l
233.2 ± 3.55 g
0.6 ± 0.04f
SHP121 9.3 ± 0.12s 55.48 ± 0.84d 386.4 ± 5.88a 0.51 ± 0.06f
SHP112 13.12 ± 0.17k 61.25 ± 0.93b 265.35 ± 4.04d 0.41 ± 0.04g
Note: Data showed in mean ± deviation standard (n=3). Numbers followed by the same letters in the same
group (vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidant capacity, and fresh weight) show no significant difference based
on Duncan test at 5% level. WS (water spinach); RS (red spinach); GM (green mustard); RL (red lettuce);
GS (green spinach); BC (Bok choy).

The selection of growing media, conditions, affecting vitamin A and C levels

including soil, husk charcoal, and perlite, and the antioxidant activity of the plants (Di
plays an essential role in determining Gioia et al., 2017; Weber, 2017).
microgreens' fresh weight and nutritional Understanding these interactions can help
quality. Each medium affects the availability optimize microgreen production to enhance
of essential nutrients and overall growing nutritional benefits.

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Figure 1. Microgreens grown on different media (SHP 111, SHP211, SHP 121, SHP112) on WS
(water spinach), RS (red spinach), GM (green mustard), RL (red lettuce), GS (green spinach),
BC (Bok choy).

CONCLUSION (2023). Defining growth requirements

of microgreens in space cultivation via
The combination of soil, husk charcoal,
biomass production, morpho-anatomical
and perlite in this study can be used as a
and nutritional traits analysis. Frontiers
growing medium for microgreens. However,
in Plant Science, 14. https:
this combination of planting media fulfils the
//doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1190945
needs of phosphorus and potassium elements
Arbačauskas, J., Vaišvila, Z. J., Staugaitis,
but still has a low nitrogen nutrient content.
G., Žičkienė, L., Masevičienė, A., &
In this study, SHP121 media can be
Šumskis, D. (2023). The Influence of
recommended to support the balance of
Mineral NPK Fertiliser Rates on
growth and nutritional quality of microgreen
Potassium Dynamics in Soil: Data from
plants, especially for bok choy and water
a Long-Term Agricultural Plant
spinach. This research contributes to the
Fertilisation Experiment. Plants, 12(21).
understanding of how different growing
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12213700
media combinations affect the growth and
Balai Pengujian Standar Instrumen Tanah
nutritional profile of microgreens, providing
dan Pupuk. (2023). Analisis Kimia
valuable insights for optimizing microgreen
Tanah, Tanaman, Air, dan Pupuk. In
production in controlled environments.
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