Comparative Analysis of Growth Parameters in Hydroponic and Soil-Grown Systems of Ocimum basilicum L. (Basil)

This study’s primary objective was to compare basil growth (Ocimum basilicum L.) in three different systems: soil-based, EBB & Flow, and Nutrient Film technique (NFT). During the 45-day growth period, the following factors were examined: plant height, root length, leaf length, leaf breadth, stem diameter, number of leaves, water quality parameters, soil macro- and micronutrients, and nutrient uptake. The findings showed that, for NFT, EBB hydroponics, and soil-based systems, the plant heights of basil plants at the end of the growth period were 40 ± 3.10, 30.80 ± 2.82, and 28.50 ± 3.17 cm, respectively. The NFT hydroponics system yielded the maximum root height measurement of 34 ± 3.92cm for basil plants. After the trial, the amount of nutrients absorbed from hydroponically grown water ranged from 70 to 87%, indicating the phytoremediation of wastewater. According to the findings, the NFT hydroponic system significantly outperformed the EBB and soil-based methods for growing basil plants regarding growth characteristics. The study’s findings indicate that the hydroponic system is the most effective technique for growing basil.