Impact of Urban Cultivation Systems on Batavia Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. Amaroza) : A Study on Agronomic Performance, Chemical Composition, and Organoleptic Qualities

The quality and composition of food products have been increasingly well-documented in processed foods over the past years. However, there is a growing interest in vegetable quality, particularly regarding the presence of pesticide residues, plant diseases, and heavy metal accumulation. Several studies highlight the challenges of ensuring the quality of vegetables cultivated in environments exposed to various pollution risks.
These risks are particularly pronounced in urban agriculture systems, where land availability is increasingly constrained. At the same time, consumer skepticism and criticism of soilless cultivation systems persist.
This study aims to monitor the production of Batavia lettuce (Amaroza variety) in four cultivation systems, including both soilless and open-field methods. We compare agronomic yields, chemical composition, and organoleptic properties of the harvested lettuce.
Results from the 2024 production cycle are available.
The studied cultivation methods included conventional hydroponics in a greenhouse, aquaponics in a greenhouse (with Koi carp), open-field soil cultivation under a photovoltaic greenhouse with 33% of the roof covered by solar panels, and outdoor open-field soil cultivation.
The aquaponic system produced the largest lettuces, with nearly 400g of fresh matter. However, specific mineral deficiencies were observed in soilless systems. The organoleptic test revealed that the public significantly preferred the greenhouse-grown lettuces and rated the outdoor open-field lettuce the lowest. No significant differences were perceived between the lettuces grown in the greenhouse systems.