ISHS Acta Horticulturae 664: IV International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops
PRODUCTION OF QUALITY AROID FOLIAGE PLANTS USING CAPTURED RAINWATER AND IRRIGATION RUNOFF AS AN IRRIGATION SOURCE |
| Authors: | J. Chen, R.C. Beeson |
| Keywords: | electrical conductivity, ornamental aroids, pH, tropical foliage plants, water conservation, water quality |
| Abstract:
Containment and reuse of rainwater and irrigation runoff is considered an effective measure to conserve water and reduce nutrient runoff in nursery crop production. Captured water has been used as an irrigation source for producing landscape ornamentals but has rarely been used for greenhouse containerized crops in the US. This study evaluated if quality aroid foliage plants could be produced using captured rainwater and irrigation runoff as an irrigation source. A collection basin captured irrigation runoff from a landscape plant production bed and rainwater from a greenhouse roof. One cultivar each of Anthurium, Aglaonema, Dieffenbachia, Epipremnum, Philodendron, Spathiphyllum, and Syngonium was planted in 15-cm diameter containers filled with Vergo Container Mix A. Potted plants were grown on ebb-and-flow trays fertigated with a nutrient solution made from a water-soluble fertilizer dissolved in the captured water or well water. Plant canopy heights, widths, number of leaves, flower accounts (if any), and plant overall quality were recorded at the end of production. No growth disorders or diseases were related to water sources. Plant overall quality when fertigated with the captured water was either slightly higher than or equal to that of the control plants. This study indicated that captured rainwater and irrigation runoff can be an alternative source for producing quality aroid foliage plants in greenhouse conditions. | |
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