ISHS Acta Horticulturae 481: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
THE EFFECTS OF POTTING MEDIA AND CONCENTRATION OF NUTRIENT SOLUTION ON GROWTH AND NUTRIENT CONTENT OF THREE FICUS SPECIES CULTIVATED ON EBB-AND-FLOW BENCHES |
| Authors: | J. Treder, B. Matysiak, J.S. Nowak, J. Nowak |
| Keywords: | Ficus benjamina, F. benghalensis, F. lyrata, soluble salts, subirrigation, fertigation, mineral elements. |
| Abstract:
The effects of potting media and concentration of nutrient solution on growth and nutrient content in leaves and potting media of Ficus benjamina Exotica, F. benghalensis and F. lyrata cultivated on ebb-and-flow benches were investigated. Two potting media: peat and peat+granulated rockwool Grodan BU (2:1, v/v) and two concentrations of nutrient solution (EC 1.4 and 2.1 mS cm-1) were compared. No great differences in growth of Ficus species occured with either peat or peat+rockwool. F. benghalensis and F. lyrata grown in peat had greater leaf surface area compared to those of plants grown in peat+rockwool. Higher concentration of nutrient solution enhanced growth of F. benghalensis, whereas F. benjamina Exotica and F. lyrata performed better in lower concentration of nutrient solution. The contents of soluble salts, N-NO3, P, K and Mg in potting media were affected by concentration of nutrient solution. The highest soluble salts, N-NO3 and K levels were found in upper layers of potting media. | |
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