Model-based Moisture Prediction of Root Medium and Irrigation Control in Potted Plant Production using Nutrient-flow Wick Culture (NFW) System

Abstract

The uptake of water and nutrient in potted plants is greatly affected by irrigation conditions, and it influences the plant growth. This study aimed to examine the correlations between basic environmental parameters and plant growth in potted plants (kalanchoe) and to develop the models for adequate irrigation control. Growth chambers were developed for the experiments, and four levels of photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) were treated by using different numbers of shading films and lamps. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana cv. New Alter, grown in the nutrient-flow wick culture (NFW) system, was used. The 7-cm pots were filled with a 7:3 mixture of peat moss and perlite medium (v/v). The initial water content was set at about 26%. A total of 150 pots and plants with different growth stage were prepared for 4 weeks. A wick [12 × 1 cm (L × W)] was used in each pot. Leaf areas of plants and surface areas of the medium were analyzed by a plant image analysis system. For measuring the water losses of plants and pots during the growth stage, the initial water content of the substrates was maintained at about 55%. Water losses were measured at 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 hours for all experiment periods by using an electron balance. Two models were developed for estimating water losses by evapotranspiration and water intake by water absorption. Finally, a model for estimating water content in the medium was tried. Growth and environment parameters showed high correlations with transpiration and evaporation, respectively. There was an interactive effect of VPD and PPF on the change of evapotranspiration. The amount of absorption was increased by time and decreased with increase of initial water content.