Investigating the Optimal Growing Media for Wheatgrass: A Study on Yield and Antioxidant Properties with Statistical Optimization using Box-behnken Designs

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effect of different growing media on the yield and antioxidant properties of wheatgrass, with the goal of identifying the optimal medium for sustainable agriculture, urban and indoor farming, hydroponics, and functional food markets. Study Design: Experimental study using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken design to optimize wheatgrass growing conditions. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in the School of Organic Farming, PAU Ludhiana under room temperature conditions, six experimental cycles from October 2021 to 2022. Methodology: Wheat variety PBW 1 Zn was cultivated in plastic trays (45.5 cm × 35 cm × 6.8 cm) with different growing media viz. cocopeat, soil, and mixed substrates, each replicated four times. Seeds were pre-treated by rinsing, soaking for 12 hours and pre-germinating for 20–24 hours before sowing. Media were prepared with a uniform height of 5 cm; no additional fertilizers were applied. Wheatgrass was grown to 10–15 cm height, harvested and processed into juice for analysis of total soluble proteins, chlorophyll, Vitamin C, phenolics and carotenoids. Results: Wheatgrass grown in cocopeat achieved 10.21% higher fresh weight than soil-grown plants and emerged 3.2 days earlier. Cocopeat-grown plants also had the highest levels of total soluble proteins, chlorophyll, Vitamin C, phenolics, and carotenoids, resulting in superior nutritional quality. The findings suggest cocopeat as the most effective medium for high-yield, nutrient-rich wheatgrass production, with applications in sustainable and space-efficient agriculture. These findings have direct applicability for farmers, home growers, and the health food sector, enabling them to achieve better yields along with enhanced nutritional value, thereby supporting both economic and health benefits.