ISHS Acta Horticulturae 396: Hydroponics and Transplant Production
NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND DISTRIBUTION IN RELATION TO CROP QUALITY |
| Authors: | L.C. Ho, P. Adams |
| Keywords: | Hydroponics, Nutrient uptake and distribution, Crop quality, Root function and environment, Tomato |
| Abstract:
Hydroponic systems are ideal for optimising root absorption by regulating the temperature, oxygen and EC of the nutrient solution and by adjusting the volume and nutrient composition of the feed. While crop yields have been greatly improved in hydroponics, further optimization of the root environment is needed to promote efficient nutrient uptake and reduce pollution by waste nutrients. For protected crops, the distribution of nutrients among organs via xylem and/or phloem conducting tissues has been optimised by manipulating the effects of growing environment on canopy transpiration and assimilate partitioning. In tomato, for instance, fruit production (number and size) and fruit quality (dry matter content, taste and the prevention of local nutrient deficiencies) have been improved by optimising the water relations, assimilate supply and nutrient status of the fruit. Further improvement in fruit quality relies on the optimisation of both shoot and root environment for water, assimilate and nutrient supplies to the developing fruit. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
