ISHS Acta Horticulturae 548: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
STORAGE AND MOBILISATION OF NITROGEN AND CARBOHYDRATES IN AN ORNAMENTAL SHRUB (Ligustrum ovalifolium): EFFECT OF FERTILISER SCHEDULING |
| Authors: | S. Charpentier, V. Guérin, L. Thelier-Huché |
| Keywords: | fertilisation, mineral nutrition, Ligustrum ovalifolium, soilless culture, nitrogen, soluble carbohydrates. |
| Abstract:
In container crops, nutrient elements and especially nitrate can be leached rapidly from the substrate. In this experiment, the possibilities of reducing the fertilisation period and limiting losses to the environment by taking into account the synthesis period and the remobilisation of mineral and carbon storage compounds, were investigated. Ligustrum ovalifolium was grown on a peat-perlite (50/50, v/v) mixture by applying three fertiliser schedules (continuous, intermittent (spring and autumn) or only during spring). Dry matter, total N and soluble carbohydrates were measured twice a month in roots, leaves and stems. The nitrogen level in the substrate changed quickly with fertiliser scheduling. When fertilisation was discontinued dry matter production was not immediately affected but the fresh weight of the plants was reduced slightly. During the period without fertilisation, nitrogen was diluted in all the plant organs and stachyose accumulation approximated to 8 g per plant. Resuming fertilisation did not induce new growth but the N concentration increased and stachyose was partially utilised. In autumn, the levels of these two compounds reached the values measured for continuously fertilised plants. | |
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