Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Kalanchoe Plants (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'New Alter') and Nutrient Accumulation of Growing Media with Growth Stage at Different Nutrient Strengths in Ebb and Flow Subirrigation Systems

• Published in: Weon'ye gwahag gi'sulji Vol. 28; no. 6
• Main Authors: Noh, E.H., Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Son, J.E., Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 01.12.2010
• Subjects: CONDUCTIVIDAD ELECTRICA; CONDUCTIVITE ELECTRIQUE; ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY; macronutrient build-up; nutrient uptake rate; potted plant; substrate
• ISSN: 1226-8763

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of electrical conductivity (EC) of nutrient solution on the growth, nutrient uptake of potted kalanchoe plants (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'New Alter') and the nutrient accumulation at the growing media with growth stage in ebb and flow subirrigation systems. Significant differences in leaf area, plant height, and dry weight of the plants were found among the different ECs of nutrient solution of 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 dSㆍm-¹. Particularly the difference in plant growth became significantly greater from 5 weeks after treatment. The overall growth was the highest at EC 1.6 dSㆍm-¹. Leaf area, plant height, and dry weight were maintained higher when EC increased to 2.4 dSㆍm-¹, but rapidly decreased after EC 3.2 dSㆍm-¹. The uptake of NO₃-N was the greatest while that of Mg²+ was the lowest at EC 1.6 dSㆍm-¹, even though small differences were found among macro elements. The EC at the top layer of the growing media was 1 to 3 times higher than that at the bottom layer. Nutrient accumulation was accelerated in both the top and bottom layers with growth stage. At EC 3.2 dSㆍm-¹, the growth of the plants was suppressed due to higher nutrient accumulation at the growing media. From the results, the strength and composition of nutrient solution should be determined by considering nutrient accumulation at the growing media in addition to EC of nutrient solution in ebb and flow subirrigation systems.