Course:VANT149/2025/Capstone/Science/Team12

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of varying NaCl concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40, and 60 mmol/L) on the growth of hydroponically grown spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Key growth parameters, including plant height, leaf count, fresh and dry weight, root length, and stress symptoms, were measured after a controlled treatment period. The results demonstrate a clear decline in growth metrics with increasing salt concentrations, with significant reductions in plant height (from 25.3 cm to 11.7 cm) and leaf count (from 18 to 6) at the highest NaCl level. Stress symptoms such as yellowing and necrosis were observed at 20 mmol/L and above. These findings highlight the sensitivity of spinach to salt stress and its implications for hydroponic farming. Further analysis will explore potential mitigation strategies for salt-induced stress in agricultural settings.

Keywords: salt stress, hydroponics, spinach, plant growth, abiotic stress, sustainable agriculture

Biographies

Aurora Liu

Aurora Liu is a first-year student in the Science stream at Vantage College, University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on plant physiology and environmental stress responses. She is looking forward to learning more about sustainable agriculture at the conference.

Zoe Guo

Zoe Guo is a first-year student in the Science stream at Vantage College, University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on the effects of abiotic stress on plant growth. She is personally interested in this topic because of its relevance to global food security.