EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GROWING MEDIA ON MICROGREENS CULTIVATION OF RUMEX ACETOSA (L)

Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are harvested at an early stage of growth and are highly valued for their rich nutritional content and potential health benefits. However, selecting an appropriate growing medium is crucial for optimizing their growth performance, yield, and quality. This study investigates the effect of different growing media on the cultivation of Rumex acetosa (sorrel) microgreens to determine the most suitable medium for enhanced growth and nutrient accumulation. Four different growing media compositions were tested: (1) Coco peat + Cow dung, (2) Coco peat + Hydroponic solution, (3) Rice husk + Cow dung, and (4) Sawdust + Cow dung. The experiment was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions and in an open-field botanical garden at Gombe State University. Growth parameters such as germination rate, seedling height, leaf count, fresh biomass, and dry biomass were recorded to compare the performance of the different growing media. The results showed that coco peat-based media, particularly when combined with cow dung or hydroponic solution, significantly enhanced germination rates, seedling growth, and biomass accumulation compared to rice husk and sawdust. The laboratory-grown microgreens exhibited higher growth performance than those cultivated under open-field conditions, suggesting that environmental control positively influences microgreens' development. The study concludes that coco peat-based growing media provide the best conditions for Rumex acetosa microgreens cultivation, leading to improved yield and nutritional quality. The findings offer valuable insights for small-scale farmers and commercial producers aiming to optimize microgreens production for both economic and nutritional benefits. Keywords: Microgreens, Rumex acetosa, Growing Media, Germination, Biomass, Sustainable Agriculture.