Culture of lily (Lilium sp.) ‘Table Dance’ in an aquaponic system

Abstract

Aquaponics could be a sustainable crop production system to reduce the excess of fertilizers and pesticides that end up polluting the environment. This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of aquaponics nutritional treatments in growth and development of oriental Lilium sp. 'Table Dance'. Three aquaponics treatments were established: 1) aquaponics, 2) aquaponics + N, K, Ca and S in nutrient solution, and 3) aquaponics + foliar fertilization (FF). A hydroponics treatment (50% Steiner nutrient solution) was used as a control. Plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh and dry weight, number of flowers and vase life were measured in plants, as well as pH, electrical conductivity, nutrient concentration in aquaponic nutrient solution and nutrient content in plant tissue. Length, width and weight of fish also were measured. Aquaponics + FF had negative effects on leaves and flowers and on plant quality. Aquaponics + N, K, Ca and S generated optimum nutrient concentrations in solution and in plant tissue, as well as optimum growth and development (leaf area, dry weight, fresh weight, number of flowers and vase life) of lilies, yielding a good standard for quality of flowers.