Articles
Leaching fraction-based irrigation schedule, coir-amended pine bark improve sustainability of H. paniculata ‘Jane’ production
Article number
1409_47
Pages
369 – 376
Language
English
Abstract
Two irrigation systems, standard and leaching fraction (LF)-based, and two substrates, 100% pine bark and 35% coconut coir/65% pine bark, were used in the production of Little Lime® hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’). This study investigated the effect of these treatments on water use and efficiency, substrate moisture, and plant growth and quality.
The standard irrigation system simulated the grower’s normal practice operating for two hours every other day, applying 33 mm of water per irrigation event.
The LF-based irrigation system aimed to maintain a 15% LF by using real-time leachate and irrigation volumes to calculate the irrigation run time each day.
Increase in growth index was greater in zones with coir than without coir and was also greater in leaching-fraction based irrigation zones than standard irrigation zones.
Plant quality did not differ among the four zones.
LF-based irrigation reduced LF and leachate volume by 40 and 82%, respectively, compared to standard irrigation.
Both maximum and minimum daily VWC were greater in the LF-based zone with coir than the standard zone without coir.
Cumulative water use was reduced by nearly 50% in LF-based zones with no negative impact on growth or quality.
The results indicate that the LF-based irrigation system can reduce irrigation and related inputs while maintaining growth and quality.
Additionally, coir can be a beneficial substrate amendment.
The standard irrigation system simulated the grower’s normal practice operating for two hours every other day, applying 33 mm of water per irrigation event.
The LF-based irrigation system aimed to maintain a 15% LF by using real-time leachate and irrigation volumes to calculate the irrigation run time each day.
Increase in growth index was greater in zones with coir than without coir and was also greater in leaching-fraction based irrigation zones than standard irrigation zones.
Plant quality did not differ among the four zones.
LF-based irrigation reduced LF and leachate volume by 40 and 82%, respectively, compared to standard irrigation.
Both maximum and minimum daily VWC were greater in the LF-based zone with coir than the standard zone without coir.
Cumulative water use was reduced by nearly 50% in LF-based zones with no negative impact on growth or quality.
The results indicate that the LF-based irrigation system can reduce irrigation and related inputs while maintaining growth and quality.
Additionally, coir can be a beneficial substrate amendment.
Authors
L. Fessler, J.S. Owen, W.C. Wright, S. Xiaocun, C. Krauss, J.E. Altland, A. Fulcher
Keywords
coconut coir, hydrangea, leaching fraction, precision irrigation
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