Application Of Nutrient Solution Research Articles

Effects of Nutrient Solution Application Rates on Yield, Quality, and Water-Fertilizer Use Efficiency on Greenhouse Tomatoes Using Grown-in Coir.

The yield, quality, and water-fertilizer use efficiency of crops are important parameters for assessing rational water and fertilizer management. For an optimal water and fertilizer system with respect to the nutrient solution irrigation of greenhouse tomatoes using cultivation substrates, a two-year greenhouse cultivation experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2023. Three drip fertigation treatments (T1, T2, and T3) were implemented in the experiment, where nutrient solutions were supplied when the substrate's water content reached 60%, 70%, and 80%. The frequency of nutrient solution applications is based on weighing coconut coir strips in the morning and evening at 7:00 to determine the daily water consumption of plants. Nutrient solutions were supplied when the substrate's water content reached the lower limit, and the upper limit for nutrient supply was set at 100% of the substrate water content. The nutrient solution application was carried out multiple times throughout the day, avoiding the midday heat. The nutrient solution formula used was the soilless tomato cultivation formula from South China Agricultural University. The results show that plant height and the leaf area index rapidly increased in the early and middle stages, and later growth tended to stabilize; the daily transpiration of tomatoes increased with an increase in nutrient solution supply, and it was the greatest in the T3 treatment. Between the amount of nutrient solution application and the number of years, the yield increased with the increase of the amount of nutrient solution, showing T3 > T2 > T1. Although the average yield of the T2 treatment was slightly lower than that of the T3 treatment by 3.65%, the average irrigation water use efficiency, water use efficiency, and partial fertilizer productivity of the T2 treatment were significantly higher than those of the T3 treatment by 29.10%, 19.99%, and 28.89%, respectively (p < 0.05). Additionally, soluble solid, vitamin C, and soluble sugar contents and the sugar-acid ratio of tomatoes in the T2 treatment were greater than those in the other two treatments (p < 0.05). Using the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) method, it was concluded that the nutrient solution application rate of 70% can significantly increase water and fertilizer use efficiency and markedly improve the nutritional and flavor quality of the fruit without a significant reduction in yield. This finding provides significant guidance for the high-yield, high-quality, and efficient production of coconut coir-based cultivated tomatoes in greenhouses.

Standardization of Hydroponic Growing Media and Nutrient Solution Application Intervals for Optimal Growth in Syngonium podophyllum Schott. cv. ‘White Butterfly’

Hydroponics can be said as a way to skip soil. It is the method of growing plants in soilless media along with external supply of nutrient solutions. The selection of plants suitable for cultivation in indoor environments with restricted space is becoming increasingly crucial in contemporary times. Syngonium podophyllum Schott. cv. ‘White Butterfly’ is a very important plant in current scenario with bewitchingly beautiful ornamental foliage. Four types of soil less media were taken for the experiment including, metal jelly (10mm), vermiculite, expanded clay balls and quartz sand. 150% dose of Hoagland solution was applied to plants through drip system till it reach 70% field capacity. The nutrient solution was applied in four levels such as daily, alternate days, two days intervals and three days intervals. Growth parameters like number of leaves per plant, leaf area, plant height and number of roots were observed in every 15 days interval up to four months. Highest mean number of leaves were obtained for vermiculite media when nutrient solution was applied at daily interval basis at 120 DAP (16.8). This treatment was also found on par with alternate days nutrient solution application in combination with vermiculite media (14.6), daily nutrient solution application in metal jelly media (14) and alternate days nutrient solution application in quartz sand media (15.4). While clay ball media with alternate days interval of nutrient solution application was found superior in terms of leaf area (267.60 cm2), plant height (30.56cm) and root length (58.94 cm) characteristics at 120 DAP.

Microbial mechanism of biochar addition to reduce N2O emissions from soilless substrate systems

The soilless peat-based substrate partially solves the global soil problem in greenhouse vegetable production. However, it still produces serious N2O emissions due to the application of nutrient solutions. The pyrolysis biochar is regarded as an effective measure to reduce soil N2O emissions. However, the effect and mechanism of biochar on N2O emissions from the soilless substrate remain unknown. Therefore, this study set up six treatments by adjusting the ratio of biochar addition of peat-based substrate: 0% (0BC), 2% (2BC), 4% (4BC), 6% (6BC), 8% (8BC) and 10% (10BC) (v/v). The results showed that compared to the control treatment, N2O emissions reduced by 81%, 71%, 51%, 61%, and 75% in the 2BC, 4BC, 6BC, 8BC and 10BC treatments, respectively. In addition, lettuce yield increased by 10% and 7% in the 2BC and 4BC treatments and decreased by 0.5%, 4% and 6% in the 6BC, 8BC and 10BC treatments, respectively. Combining stable isotope technology, qPCR analysis and high-throughput sequencing, five microbial pathways of N2O production, including bacterial and archaea nitrification (BN and AN), denitrification performed by fungi, denitrifier bacteria and nitrifier bacteria (FD, DD and ND), were roughly distinguished. In addition, the extent of N2O reduction was obtained by δ18O vs.δ15NSP map. For all treatments, overall, the DD process (over 50%) was the main process of N2O production and reduction, while ND and AN processes were almost negligible (less 5%). In detail, the decrease of N2O emissions was caused by decreasing the contribution of FD in the 6BC, 8BC and 10BC treatments and reducing the contribution of BN in the 0BC and 2BC treatments. In addition, biochar addition increased the extent of N2O reduction to N2. In summary, the 2% biochar addition presented the greatest extent of N2O reduction to N2 (83%) and the lowest N2O emissions as well as the highest lettuce yields and nitrogen utilization efficiency. Therefore, 2% biochar is deemed the most optimal addition to the peat-based substrate.

Effects of peat based substrate combinations on mineral nutrition, growth and yield of tomato

Study was aimed to examine the effects of growth media (GM) consisted of peat and different domestic materials on nutrition, growth and yield of tomato as alternative to cocopeat in Turkiye. For this, cocopeat(GM1), perlite(GM2), leonardite(GM3), vermicompost(GM4), and peat(GM5) were used as substrates. Each substrate was used as a control in itself, and a total of 17 combinations were tried by keeping the peat constant and mixing in 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 (V/V) ratios. The mixtures were filled in 7-liter pots where seedlings were planted, irrigated with water for the first week, and then irrigated with nutrient solution. The research was established as a 4-replications pot experiment and the Solanum lycopersicum cv.Vitello tomato variety was used as the plant material. The nutrient solution was applied with a drip irrigation. The volume of the applied nutrient solution was adjusted manually to obtain 10-30% leaching ratio. In general, vermicompost and its mixtures with peat were the most effective growth media on leaf and fruit nutrient concentrations. The highest fruit yields were obtained from plants grown in solely peat and 1:1 peat + vermicompost medium. Similarly, the highest biomass weight was recorded from the plants grown under 1:1 peat + vermicompost mixture. In addition to this findings, it was observed that some peat-containing mixtures were also found to be competitive with widely used media in terms of the other parameters studied. As a result, it was seen that most of the peat containing GM especially peat + vermicompost mixtures, can be used in soilless tomato cultivation as alternative to cocopeat.

Reducing nutrient loss in drainage from tomato grown in free-draining substrate in greenhouses using dynamic nutrient management

Substrate-grown crops represent approximately 10% of the cropping area of intensive greenhouse horticulture in southern Spain. The vast majority are free draining, in that they do not collect and recirculate drainage. The substantial nutrient loss in drainage contributes to contamination of water bodies. This study examined the effectiveness of dynamic management approaches to appreciably reduce the large nutrient loss associated with free-draining substrate-grown crops. For three tomato crops, grown in substrate, this study (i) compared management of N, P and K based on the ratio of the concentration in drainage to that in the nutrient solution, to conventional management, (ii) derived uptake concentration values for N, P and K throughout the crop cycle, and (iii) evaluated uptake concentration as a nutrition management tool. Ratio-based management reduced the amounts of N, P and K in drainage, in relation to conventional management by 58–61%, 65–80% and 55–77% respectively. The amounts of applied N, P and K were reduced by 22–28%, 37–43%, and 28–34% compared to conventional management. N, P and K concentrations in the applied nutrient solution slightly below the uptake concentration were associated with much lower concentrations in the drainage solution. In contrast, when the applied nutrient concentration exceeded the uptake concentration this was associated with much higher drainage nutrient concentrations. In conclusion, the two nutritional management strategies examined, ratio-based management, and use of uptake concentrations were both associated with reduced nutrient application and a considerable reduction of nutrient loss in drainage. Fruit production was maintained with the improved nutrient management practices. These strategies offer approaches that can considerably reduce the substantial nutrient loss in drainage associated with free-draining substrate cropping in greenhouse production in southern Europe.

Influence of container, potting media and nutrients on production and post-production consumer acceptance of potted marigold (Tagetes patula L.)

Production of potted plants is influenced by factors viz., type of container, potting medium, nutrient dose. A study was conducted to standardize these factors for potted French marigold var. Arka Pari. The treatments comprised of two type of containers (plastic and coir), three potting media [red soil + FYM + sand (1:1:1 v/v), Arka fermented cocopeat (AFC), AFC + vermicompost (1:1 v/v)] and four nutrition concentrations (160:30:180 ppm N:P: K, 128:24:144 ppm N:P: K, 96:18:108 ppm N:P:K and 3% Jeevamrutha) laid out in factorial completely randomized design replicated thrice. Plants grown in potting media combination of Arka fermented cocopeat (AFC) + vermicompost (1:1 v/v) along with weekly application of nutrient solution (128:24:144 ppm NPK) produced maximum number of flowers plant-1 (147.61) and registered highest uptake of nitrogen (2.87 g plant-1), phosphorus (0.53 g plant-1), potassium (3.24 g plant-1), magnesium (0.85 g plant-1) and sulphur (0.21 g plant-1). Based on the attributes of the potted plants, this treatment combination also registered the highest score (81.2 on a scale of 100), willingness of the consumers to purchase (4.5 on a scale of 5), overall acceptability (2.7 on a scale of 3) and the benefit cost ratio of 1.18.

Inorganic and organic foliar fertilization in olives

The application of nutrient solutions to the foliage of plants is an alternative means to fertilise crops. Foliar fertilisation is used to overcome the disadvantages of soil applications. Variable plant responses to these foliar fertilisation spray solutions have often been described in the literature. However, knowledge about the penetration mechanisms, the role of a leaf-applied inorganic or organic solution, and the results obtained by its application is still limited. The complex character of the factors determining the effects of sprays hinders the development of suitable foliar fertilisation strategies, applicable under variable local conditions and for various plant types. This review describes some basic factors involved in the penetration process of foliar sprays in olive (Olea europaea L.) trees. Chemistry, leaf penetration, and plant nutrition principles will be merged with the aim of clarifying the constraints, opportunities, and future perspectives of sprays to cure olive tree nutrient deficiencies and, hence, both increase the yield and improve the fruit quality.

Standardization of container type, substrate and nutrition for potted plant production of China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Ness.] var. Arka Archana

A study was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru for three consecutive seasons during 2019-20, to standardize the container type, substrate combination and nutrition for potted plant production of China aster var. Arka Archana. The treatments comprised of two type of containers (plastic and coir), three substrates {Red soil + FYM + Sand (1:1:1 v/v), Arka Fermented cocopeat (AFC), AFC + Vermicompost (1:1 v/v)} and four nutrition concentration (160:30:180 ppm N:P: K, 128:24:144 ppm N:P: K, 96:18:108 ppm N:P: K and Jeevamrutha @ 3%) laid out in factorial completely randomized design with three replications. Plant height at flowering (33.12 cm), number of primary branches (12.4), plant spread (536.64 cm2), number of flowers/plant (26.47), flower size (5.26 cm) and uptake of major, secondary and minor nutrients were maximum in the plants grown in 6" plastic pots using the substrate combination of soil +sand +FYM (1:1:1 v/v/v) along with the weekly application of nutrient solution of 96:18:108 ppm NPK/plant. This production protocol resulted in a dense canopy and highly floriferous potted plants. The benefit cost ratio of potted China aster production was 1.70. This technology can be adopted by the nurserymen for large-scale commercial potted plant production.

Frequencies of application and dilution of nutrient solution in hydroponic cultivation of arugula

Nutrient solution formulation such as irrigation frequency is fundamental for the success of hydroponic cultivation, since the absorption of nutrients from the nutrient solution is a selective and dynamic process, in which the relative proportion between nutrients in the solution stands out. Thus, the present experiment was conducted to evaluate the production and development of arugula in hydroponic cultivation subjected to different dilutions and frequencies of application of the nutrient solution. The experiments were carried out in a randomized blocks design, with four replicates. A split-plot scheme in a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement was used, which consisted of five dilutions based on the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution (ECsol: 2.00 (control), 1.81, 1.62, 1.40, and 1.30 dS m-1, corresponding to 100, 90, 80, 70, and 65% concentrations, respectively) and two application frequencies (variable and fixed), totaling 40 experimental plots, in three production cycles. Shoot fresh mass, shoot dry mass, leaf area, leaf area index, number of leaves, plant height, relative chlorophyll index and macronutrients were analyzed. Regarding shoot fresh mass, there was an increase with the concentration of the nutrient solution, reaching a maximum of 15.52 and 8.40 g plant-1, with nutrient solution was of 1.77 dS m-1 (first cycle) and 1.88 dS m-1 (second cycle). Using only 90% of the recommended nutrient solution is the most appropriate from the commercial point of view, as it led to maximum potential in relation to production, using a smaller number of inputs.

Morphological Responses of Viola Accessions to Nutrient Solution Application and Electrical Conductivity

Growing of ornamental flowering plants represents an important sector of horticulture. Viola × wittrockiana (garden pansy) is used in garden beds and borders due to their colorful blooming, which occurs in early spring and late autumn. Nowadays, breeders focus on applying different nutrient solutions to improve the quality, flowering, and ornamental properties of plants, yet electrical conductivity (EC) level is an important fact to know. It is known that higher EC levels can inhibit plants’ growth. In the present study, pansy seedlings were subjected to different EC nutrient solutions 1 (control), 2, 3.5, 5, and 6.5 mS cm−1 EC to assess the positive or negative effects regarding the plant’s growth and development. The results indicated that an appropriate EC level of nutrient solution can have a positive effect on growth parameters, as well as on the flowering of plants. According to the hierarchical clustering, the used EC nutrient solutions significantly influenced the growth, number of shoots and leaves and the inflorescences number. From the present study results, it can be concluded that even though all EC levels increased growth parameters compared with control, the greatest results were obtained in plants under the effect of the 5 mS cm−1 of EC.

Growth, Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Postharvest Qualities of Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as Affected by Cultivar and Amount of Applied Nutrient Solution

The effects of different nutrient solution quantities on growth, physicochemical, nutritional, and postharvest qualities of lettuce were investigated. Two differently pigmented Korean leaf lettuce cultivars “Geockchima” and “Cheongchima” were grown in soilless perlite culture supplied with 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mL·d−1·plant−1 nutrient solutions. Several growth parameters (plant height, leaf number, fresh weight, dry matter) were evaluated. The highest lettuce growth was observed when plants were supplied with 1000 mL·d−1·plant−1. Cultivating lettuces in the lowest nutrient solution quantity showed higher dry matter, crude fiber, osmolality, chlorophyll, and anthocyanin contents. Upon increasing the nutrient solution, the crispiness, greenness, and levels of ascorbic acid, nitrogen, and potassium, increased, while phosphorus and magnesium were unaffected, and calcium content declined. Postharvest qualities were better maintained in lettuces irrigated with the least amount of nutrient solution, extending their shelf life. We conclude that lettuce can be grown with 1000 mL·d−1·plant−1 for higher yield, and short-term storage and/or transportation. However, when lettuces need to be stored for a certain period, such as long-distance shipment, they should be cultivated with a limited nutrient solution, which requires further detailed investigation. The results of this study can be applied for distributing, storing, transporting, and marketing lettuce.

Phosphorus applied to the root half without Al3+ exposure can alleviate Al toxicity on the other root half of the same eucalyptus seedling

Approximately 30% of the world’s land area is acidic soil (pH < 5.5), and aluminum (Al) toxicity and phosphorus (P) deficiency are two main constraints of plant growth in acidic soil. However, direct application of P fertilizer to acidic soil can form insoluble Al–P precipitates, thus reducing P availability. We used a split-root technique to experimentally investigate whether Eucalyptus seedlings can translocate P from root halves with no Al stress to root halves experiencing Al stress, thus ameliorating the Al toxicity of the latter. The results revealed that P application led to fixation of Al in the form of an Al–P precipitate in sand, thus relieving Al toxicity. In addition, the application of P increased the nutritive P supply and alleviated P deficiency within the plant. In Eucalyptus seedlings, increased P application to the root half without Al3+ exposure alleviated Al toxicity in the other root half. The extent of resistance to Al stress depended on the genotype of the Eucalyptus seedlings. Based on our findings, P can be applied to areas not only through roots, but also by other methods, such as leaf fertilization or application of nutrient solutions to the trunk, preferably avoiding the formation of Al–P precipitates in the soil.

Effects of Nutrient Solution Application Methods and Rhizospheric Ventilation on Vegetative Growth of Young Moth Orchids without a Potting Medium in a Closed-Type Plant Factory

Background and objective: Moth orchids in the vegetative stage are suitable for a multi-layer growing environment in a closed-type plant factory which can be a good alternative that can reduce production costs by reducing cultivation time and energy cost per plant. This study was conducted to find out the optimal rhizospheric environment for different irrigation methods without a potting medium and rhizospheric ventilation for the vegetative growth of young Phalaenopsis hybrid ‘Blanc Rouge’ (P. KV600 × P. Kang 1) and Phalaenopsis Queen Beer ‘Mantefon’ in a closed-type plant factory system.Methods: The one-month-old clonal micropropagules with bare roots rapped with a sponges were fixed on the holes of styrofoam plates above growth beds, and were watered using the ebb-and-flow (EBB) and aeroponic (AER) methods with Ichihashi solution (0.5 strength) once a day at 06:00 (P) or 18:00 (S), and both (PS). Rhizospheric ventilation (V) was also applied to change the temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration of the beds. Plants potted into sphagnum moss and watered once a week were used as the control group.Results: After 12 months of treatment, the growth characteristics of the EBB groups were the best among the treatment groups without a medium, but no effect of irrigation timing was observed. V reduced the temperature, relative humidity and CO2 concentration of the beds. Whereas, EBB+V (ebb-and-flow with ventilation) improved plant growth and reduced the occurrence of disorders and withering. Especially, EBB+V showed a similar performance to the control group.Conclusion: The results indicated that the optimal irrigation method without a potting medium for producing middle-aged potted moth orchids was the EBB system with forced rhizospheric ventilation. Therefore, further studies on the optimal ventilation method and moisture control of the crown need to be carried out to develop the irrigation system without a potting medium for vertical farming in closed-type plant factories.Key words: aeroponic, ebb and flow, Phalaenopsis, rhizospheric environment, vertical farming

Physiological role of silicon in radish seedlings under ammonium toxicity.

High concentrations of ammonium as the sole nitrogen source may result in physiological and nutritional disorders that can lead to reduced plant growth and toxicity. In this study, we hypothesized that ammonium toxicity in radish seedlings (Raphanus sativus L.) might be mitigated by the incorporation of silicon (Si) into applied nutrient solution. To examine this possibility, we conducted a hydroponic experiment to evaluate the effects of five concentrations of ammonium (1, 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30 mmol L-1 ) on the photosynthesis, green color index, stomatal conductance, transpiration, instantaneous water-use efficiency, and biomass production of radish in the absence and presence (2 mmol L-1 ) of Si. The experimental design was a randomized block design based on a 2 × 5 factorial scheme with four replicates. The highest concentration of applied ammonium (30 mmol L-1 ) was found to reduce the photosynthesis, transpiration and total dry biomass of radish seedlings, independent of the presence of Si in the nutrient solution. However, at lower ammonium concentrations, the application of Si counteracted these detrimental effects, and facilitated the production of seedlings with increased photosynthesis, greater instantaneous water-use efficiency, and higher total dry biomass compared with the untreated plants (without Si). Transpiration and stomatal conductance were affected to lesser extents by the presence of Si. These findings indicate that the addition of Si to nutrient solutions could provide an effective means of alleviating the unfavorable effects induced by ammonium toxicity at concentrations of less than 30 mmol L-1 . © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nutrients Accumulation, Biometric, Chlorophyll and Potassium Indexes and Production in Minituber Potato as Function of Potassium Doses in Organic and Hydroponic Conditions

ABSTRACT Potato is one of the most economically important crops in Brazil. In this crop, potassium (K) is the most accumulated nutrient and has significant and positive effect on potato plant growth and tuber yield. Thus, the aim of this work was to determine the effects of K doses on nutrients accumulation, biometric, chlorophyll, and K indexes in potato plants grown. Two experiments were installed simultaneously in an unheated greenhouse with Agata cultivar. The experiment 1 was carried out in pot with commercial organic substrate with five K doses (0, 0.66, 1.32, 1.98, and 2.64 g dm3−1). The experiment 2, nominated hydroponic system, with washed sand above a layer of expanded clay pebbles where the plants received daily nutrient solution application. The treatments were five K doses (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 e 10.0 mmol L−1). The biometrics data were collected 21 days after emergence and at harvest. Both experiments were set at a randomized block design with four replications. In both experiments, no visual symptoms of deficiency or excess were observed but only in plants at 0 mmol L−1 of K. In both experiments, K doses interacted with some biometric and chlorophyll indexes measured in the fourth completely expanded leaf with portable SPAD and Dualex devices, commonly used as a guide to in-season fertilizer N management, leading to recommend their use only in plants properly nourished in K. K critical concentration in the fourth fully expanded leaf was 61.7 g kg−1.

Salinity and flow rates of nutrient solution on cauliflower biometrics in NFT hydroponic system

ABSTRACT The use of brackish water in hydroponic crops represents an alternative for vegetable production. In this context, two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of using brackish water to prepare the nutrient solution and replace the evapotranspired depth, applied at different flow rates, on cauliflower biometrics in NFT (nutrient film technique) hydroponic system. In both experiments, the experimental design was completely randomized with four repetitions, in a 6 x 2 factorial scheme: six levels of water electrical conductivity (ECw) in interaction with two flow rates of nutrient solution application in the hydroponic channels (1.5 and 2.5 L min-1). In Experiment I, brackish waters with different EC (1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 dS m-1), obtained by the addition of NaCl in public-supply water (0.2 dS m-1), were used. In Experiment II, the chemical characteristics of brackish waters collected in the semiarid region of Pernambuco were simulated, with EC of 1.67, 3.30, 4.71, 5.88 and 13.84 dS m-1, plus the control (0.2 dS m-1). Increasing salinity reduced cauliflower growth. Flow rate of 1.5 L min-1 promoted the best results of shoot fresh and dry masses, leaf area, number of leaves, plant height and shoot diameter. The best water for cauliflower production was public-supply water and, among the well waters, the best was the calcium sulfate-rich water with EC of 1.67 dS m-1.

Head lettuce production and nutrition in relation to nutrient solution flow

ABSTRACT The optimum flow rate of nutrient solution in hydroponic system can better nourish the crops, allowing healthy and faster growth of lettuce. However, flow also interferes with electric power consumption, so further researches are necessary, mainly on the effect of flow rate, nutrient accumulation and lettuce production. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate nutrition and production of head lettuce in relation to the nutrient solution flow in NFT hydroponic system. The treatments consisted of nutrient solution application at the flow rates 0.5; 1; 2, and 4 liters per minute in each cultivation channel. Five replicates per treatment consisted of 15 plants each. The flow in hydroponic systems to produce head lettuce alters the technical performance of the crop. Due to the greater nutrient accumulation in shoot and use efficiency of these elements, the highest production (g/plant) of head lettuce was obtained with a flow rate of 1 L/min of the nutrient solution.

Effects of Different Growing Media on Yield and Growth Parameters of Potato Minitubers (solanum Tuberosum L.)

ABSTRACTSeed potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are increasingly produced by minitubers originated from tissue culture techniques to eliminate the chance of infections by viruses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of several potting media for minituber production in the greenhouse environment. Six growing media treatments were used in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments included perlite, soil, perlite + vermiculite (1:1 v/v), perlite + peat moss (1:1, v/v), perlite + soil (1:1, v/v), perlite + soil + composted cattle manure (4:3:3 v/v), and perlite + soil + vermicompost (4:3:3v/v). All treatments except treatments that contained composted cattle manure or vermicompost were subjected to daily application of nutrient solution. Growing media were analyzed for a selected number of physical and chemical properties. Tuber yield and yield parameters were determined 75 days after planting. Leaf area, shoots, and root DW and FW and concentrations of N in roots and shoots were measured at tuber bulking stage. The highest value of particle density and bulk density and the lowest value of porosity and EC were obtained for the media that contained Perlite. The greatest value of leaf chlorophyll index throughout the growing period was observed at perlite + soil + composted cattle manure and perlite + soil + vermicompost, likely due to excess availability of N. The maximum contents of N in the shoot root and tubers were observed in perlite + soil + composted cattle manure. Fresh and dry minituber yield and number of minituber per m2 shoot and root FM and DM yield were greater in growing media without soil than the containing Compound with soil. The fertigated perlite + peat moss (1:1, v/v) resulted in the greatest yield among treatments likely due to desirable EC, pH, and porosity. This treatment can be recommended as a suitable media for the production of potato minitubers in greenhouse environment.Abbreviations B: Boron; Ca: Calcium; CEC: Cation exchangeable capacity; Cu: Copper; Db: Bulk density; Dp: Particle density; DM: dry matter; DW: dry weight; EC: Electrical conductivity; Fe: Iron; FW: fresh weight; K: Potassium; LAI: leaf area index; Mg: Magnesium; Mn: Manganese; Mo: Molybdenum; N: Nitrogen; n: Porosity; Na: Sodium; OC: Organic carbon; P: Phosphorus; S: Sulfur; Zn: Zinc.

Effect of fertigation using fish production wastewater on Pelargonium x zonale growth and nutrient content

Aquaculture effluent can supply certain plant nutrients in adequate amounts. However, the nutrients present in the fish waste solution are not balanced. Mixing this effluent in an independent unit with a hydroponic nutrient solution can help to optimize conditions for the plants and minimize such drawbacks. The objective of this work was to assess the crop production and the nutritional responses of Pelargonium zonale fertigated with different percentages of fish wastewater. Five treatments were performed: 100NS, 75NS + 25AS, 50NS + 50AS, 25NS + 75AS and 100AS, where AS is the fish wastewater and NS a hydroponic nutrient solution. The species used to provide the fish waste solution was tilapia nilotica (Oreochromis niloticus). The results of this assay show that: i) fish wastewater can be utilized for the fertigation of Pelargonium zonale (a short-cycle crop) as there are no differences in the leaf, stem-petiole and flower dry matter, leaf water content, leaf area, plant height and leaf color compared to Pelargonium zonale fertigated with a chemical fertilizer; ii) the application of 75NS + 25AS accelerated flowers, shoots and leaves production. A higher percentage of fish waste solution mixed with the applied nutrient solution significantly reduces the K concentration in the nutrient solution and in the leaf; however, tilapia waste solution supplies adequate N, P and Ca nutrients to the pelargonium plants. Therefore, the reuse of fish waste solution can reduce the application rate of some inorganic fertilizers, which in turn can reduce the cost of fertilizers while preventing environmental pollution.

Effects of irrigation frequency of organic nutrient solution and irrigation amount on yield, quality, fertilizer and water use efficiency of melon in facility

To investigate the organic cultivation mode for high-yield and high-quality melon, we measured the growth of melon that grown in pots with different conditions of organic nutrient solution and irrigation. There were three irrigation frequencies of organic nutrient solution (8-time application, each time 750 mL per plant, F1; 12-time application, each time 500 mL per plant, F2; 16-time application, each time 375 mL per plant, F3) and two different irrigation amount per single plant (irrigating by 120% daily evapotranspiration (ET) before fruit enlargement, by 140%ET after fruit enlargement, W1; irrigating by 140%ET before fruit enlargement, by 160%ET after fruit enlargement, W2), following a randomized block trial design. The effects of those treatments on photosynthetic characteristics, yield, quality, fertilizer and water use efficiency of melon were investigated. The results showed that photosynthetic rate of melon leaves was significantly increased by more frequent and less amount of organic nutrient solution application. Fruit yield and water use efficiency were significantly improved under low irrigation condition. Fertilizer utilization was optimal under the treatments of high irrigation and medium organic nutrient solution frequency. Fruit quality was improved under less organic nutrient solution and relatively suitable water supply. A mathematical model of exponential function y=0.214e0.18x (R2=0.851) could be used to quantify the relationship between the vitamin C content of melon fruit and frequency of organic nutrient solution application. Considering the variables, such as yield, quality and water use efficiency, F3W1 treatment was recommended with the aim to improve fruit quality and optimal water use efficiency under promising yield, which could achieve high-yield and high-quality cultivation of organic melon in facilities.