Articles
A SOILLESS EBB-AND-FLOW SYSTEM FOR ALL-YEAR-ROUND CHRYSANTHEMUMS
Article number
361_10
Pages
123 – 132
Language
Abstract
We developed a closed cultivation system with ebb-and-flow irrigation for chrysanthemums, in which only 15 cm3 of substrate per plant is used in the form of a small, fibrous plug.
A series of experiments was conducted, aimed at optimization of production factors in the root-zone, i.e. mineral nutrition, irrigation frequency and root aeration.
Nutrient uptake was efficient, as shown by influx concentrations for N and K, which were considerably higher than concentrations in the bulk nutrient solution.
There was little difference between four ebb-and flow treatments in production or mineral nutrition, but severe waterlogging symptoms developed in completely stagnant nutrient solution culture.
In over 2 years of experimentation, it was possible to produce chrysanthemums of a constant good quality, and the system showed a high productivity.
Although no chemical or physical sterilization was applied, no problems with root diseases were encountered.
The high productivity indicates that the ebb-and flow system may have advantages over soil-based cultivation.
However, it is still uncertain whether these advantages are large enough to make the system economically competitive.
A series of experiments was conducted, aimed at optimization of production factors in the root-zone, i.e. mineral nutrition, irrigation frequency and root aeration.
Nutrient uptake was efficient, as shown by influx concentrations for N and K, which were considerably higher than concentrations in the bulk nutrient solution.
There was little difference between four ebb-and flow treatments in production or mineral nutrition, but severe waterlogging symptoms developed in completely stagnant nutrient solution culture.
In over 2 years of experimentation, it was possible to produce chrysanthemums of a constant good quality, and the system showed a high productivity.
Although no chemical or physical sterilization was applied, no problems with root diseases were encountered.
The high productivity indicates that the ebb-and flow system may have advantages over soil-based cultivation.
However, it is still uncertain whether these advantages are large enough to make the system economically competitive.
Authors
F. Buwalda, R. Baas, P.A. van Weel
Keywords
chrysanthemum morifolium, cultivation system, mineral nutrition, oxygen deficiency, production, recirculation, root die-back
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