ECONOMIC PROBLEMS OF DECLINING ASPARAGUS FIELDS

Exp.1: Diff.
Organic manure, 1974 – 1983

Exp.2: NPK-Fertilization, 1973 – 1982

Exp.3: Variety ‘Lucullus’, 1976 – 1985

Fig:1 The course of the yields (dt/ha) of three different asparagus experiments Normayly yields of white asparagus increase up to the third year.
Than the amount of the yield is of a similar kind till the 8th year.
In the 9th and 10th year one get less asparagus.

Graphic available in full text only

Exp.1: Diff.
Organic Manure, 1974 – 1983

Exp.2: NPK-Fertilization, 1973 – 1982

Exp.3: Variety ‘Lucullus’, 1976 – 1985

Fig.2 The number of spears/ha of three different asparagus experiments One can notice that the numbers of spears/ha increase continualy until the 8th year.
Only in the last two years the numbers are reduced.
The reason for this results are caused by the suspended apical dominance.
Buds with a smaller diameter are able to grow up.
A further result: The number of spears per 100 kg increases, the average spear weight decreases