ISHS Acta Horticulturae 47: II International Symposium on Flower Bulbs
EFFECT OF PLANTING DENSITY ON DRY-MATTER PRODUCTION AND EVAPOTRANSPIRATION OF TULIPS |
| Author: | G.G.M. van der Velk |
| Abstract:
In connection with earlier studies on planting density-production relations, the effects of soil water management on net photosynthesis and evapotranspiration in tulips were investigated. In 1970, a lysimeter installation of 15 units was constructed in a beach bank soil with different constant ground-water levels. Inflow and outflow were registered continuously, and soil moisture content was measured periodically by gamma-ray attenuation. In 1970, tulips of the cultivar "Merry Widow" were planted at distances of 8x8, 11x11 and 15x15 cm at 5 different ground-water levels per treatment, ranging between 40 and 100 cm below the soil surface. The rate of net photosynthesis was measured by periodic harvesting on 7 dates as well as by dry-matter distribution and leaf area. In other lysimeter units total bulb production and total dry-matter production were measured at normal lifting time, and the soil cover, crop height and degree of senescence were determined several times before lifting. No effects of soil-water management on production were seen, but a close correlation was found between measured and computed dry-matter production. Evapotranspiration per plant decreased with increasing density, but increased per unit of soil area. Data on the course of transpiration during the day and growing period are given. | |
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