Articles
CULTIVATION OF CHRYSANTHEMUM WITHOUT SUBSTRATE
Article number
1034_22
Pages
185 – 191
Language
English
Abstract
In The Netherlands there are 700 hectares of cut flowers in soil.
Recent studies have shown that mineral fertilizers used can seep into the subsoil and eventually cause high levels of nitrogen and phosphate in the surrounding environment.
Therefore the goal of this experiment was to find a system for the year-round production of cut chrysanthemum in recirculating water without run-off into the subsoil.
Prior to planting the unrooted cuttings of chrysanthemum Euro Speedy were pre-treated by placing them for 4 days in a waterbed kept at 26°C, under 95% RH and 600 ppm CO2 under long day conditions in a greenhouse in The Netherlands.
After rooting three batches of 2,500 rooted plants were planted in the period August 2010 to November 2011 onto three systems: Deep flow waterbed; aeroponic and peat in aluminium cassettes.
The elongation of the plants during the long day period, the number of leaves, weight and length at final harvest were recorded.
Additionally the composition and EC of the nutrient solution and the oxygen content of the solution were measured.
The deep flow waterbed and the aeroponic systems were found to produce constant good quality stems (1 g fresh weight per cm stem). Aeration of the deep flow waterbed system gave 10% more fresh weight per stem.
Water use, plant density, air and nutrient levels are evaluated in relation to the systems.
The prospect for such a system in a commercial setting is discussed.
Recent studies have shown that mineral fertilizers used can seep into the subsoil and eventually cause high levels of nitrogen and phosphate in the surrounding environment.
Therefore the goal of this experiment was to find a system for the year-round production of cut chrysanthemum in recirculating water without run-off into the subsoil.
Prior to planting the unrooted cuttings of chrysanthemum Euro Speedy were pre-treated by placing them for 4 days in a waterbed kept at 26°C, under 95% RH and 600 ppm CO2 under long day conditions in a greenhouse in The Netherlands.
After rooting three batches of 2,500 rooted plants were planted in the period August 2010 to November 2011 onto three systems: Deep flow waterbed; aeroponic and peat in aluminium cassettes.
The elongation of the plants during the long day period, the number of leaves, weight and length at final harvest were recorded.
Additionally the composition and EC of the nutrient solution and the oxygen content of the solution were measured.
The deep flow waterbed and the aeroponic systems were found to produce constant good quality stems (1 g fresh weight per cm stem). Aeration of the deep flow waterbed system gave 10% more fresh weight per stem.
Water use, plant density, air and nutrient levels are evaluated in relation to the systems.
The prospect for such a system in a commercial setting is discussed.
Authors
B. Eveleens, C. Blok
Keywords
rooting, water culture, ebb and flood, aeroponics, hydroponics
Online Articles (77)