Fertiliser Best Management Practices in Floriculture

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field conditions have different nutrient requirements compared to cut flower crops like ..... high salt concentrations in the soil. Therefore, in heavy soils, the phosphorus ..... 30N: 20P: 20 K g/m2 for optimum growth and flower yield. 36. (Kalyani).
Indian J. Fert., Vol. 9 (4), pp.160-175 (16 pages)

Fertiliser Best Management Practices in Floriculture T. Janakiram, Namita, Ritu Jain, P. Pavan Kumar and Nikhil Dileep Narkar Division of Floriculture and Landscaping Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

Floriculture sector is generating higher income and employment opportunities, promoting domestic market and exports. The traditional flower crops viz., rose, marigold, tuberose, chrysanthemum, jasmine, china aster are grown for loose flowers under open field conditions have different nutrient requirements compared to cut flower crops like rose, carnation, gerbera, chrysanthemum, orchids, lilium, anthurium, etc. which are grown under protected conditions. One of the factors affecting the productivity of most of the floricultural crops is due to improper use of nutrients. To improve the productivity, adequate amount of fertilisers in balanced proportion should be used. Number of trials conducted under AICRP on Floriculture and SAUs resulted in various fertiliser recommendations in commercial flower crops. The review on nutrition related aspects on flower crops revealed that split doses of nutrients are superior to single application. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) including use of mulches, organic manures and bio-fertilisers along with appropriate dosage of fertilisers is cost effective method to achieve more yield and better quality crop, besides, improving the soil fertility. Application of appropriate plant nutrients at proper time with suitable method is one of the strategies to reduce various losses of nutrients which, in turn, increase the nutrient use efficiency. Deficiencies of nutrient elements cause various physiological disorders in flower crops and can be corrected by the application of appropriate nutrients.

I

ndian floriculture is characterized by the cultivation of flowers that are basically suited for garland making, worship and decoration. The Indian floriculture industry has been shifted from traditional loose flowers to cut flowers for niche and export markets. India is one of the leading countries in floriculture with an area of 1.91 lakh ha producing 6903 million cut flowers and 1.031 million tonnes of loose flowers during 2010-11 (Table 1). The major loose flower growing states are Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar 16 0

Pradesh, etc. (Figure 1). The states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, etc. have emerged as major cut flower growing states (Figure 2). North Eastern and other Himalayan states in the recent

times have become major hubs for growing quality flowers. The Anthurium from Mizoram, the Carnations from Himachal Pradesh, Orchids from Sikkim, Gerbera from Uttarakhand made a significant impact in recent times.

Table 1 – Area and production of flower crops in India Year

Area (in Lakh ha)

Production Loose (in mt) Cut (Million Nos.)

2006-07

1.44

0.88

3717

2007-08

1.66

0.87

4365

2008-09

1.67

0.99

4794

2009-10

1.83

1.02

6667

2010-11

1.91

1.03

6903

Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013

Figure 1

– Major loose flower producing States

Floriculture sector is generating higher income and employment opportunities, promoting greater involvement of women and enhancement of exports. India has now emerged as the second largest grower of flowers in the world. India is exporting flowers and flower products to different countries viz., United States, Germany, Netherland, United Kingdom, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Canada, Belgium, Ethiopia, etc. (Figure 3). It is imperative to make a mention that the productivity of most of the flower crops is very low because of improper use of nutrients, unavailability of quality planting material, lack of adoption of proper planting methods and other agrotechniques. One of the means to improve the productivity is to use adequate amount of fertilisers in balanced proportion which has been given less attention by the Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013

flower growers or floriculturist. The available information regarding proper use of fertilisers is very much scattered in flower crops in particular. It is well known fact that balanced nutrition is essential for the growth, development and flowering of crops. All the elements play important role both in the vegetative and reproductive growth and are indispensable for production of foliage and flowers. As nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are required in large quantities and hence, affect plant growth more as compared to other mineral nutrients. In addition to these, secondary nutrients like calcium, sulphur and magnesium are also needed in fairly large quantities than the other essential elements such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum and chlorine. Some of them viz., nitrogen, phosphorous and

sulphur are consumed in building up the plant architecture while calcium, potassium and magnesium have both tissue building and metabolic functions. However, other essential elements such as boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc and molybdenum have metabolic functions in the plant life. In general, the micro-nutrients are found naturally in the soil in sufficient quantities, whereas the macro-nutrients are deficient in the soil and needs continuous supply. The availability of these nutrients in soil depends upon the soil pH. Iron, zinc, manganese, aluminum and copper are available at low pH (5.0 – 7.0), whereas the availability of boron decreases at < 5 and > 7 pH. However, availability of molybdenum is maximum at pH 6.5. Chelated compounds are used to increase the availability of 16 1

Figure 2 – Major cut flower producing States

micronutrients and make them available to the plants. Recommended manures and fertilisers are conventionally applied to the soil either as basal dose or top dressing. However, foliar nutrition is an effective method of applying nutrients for better production in crops like orchids and potted foliage plants. The metabolic function of all the elements required for the plant growth and development are described in Table 2. Nutritional Management in Flower Crops under Open Field Conditions Rose

Figure 3 – Country-wise share of exports of flowers from India

16 2

Roses prefer farmyard manure (FYM), compost and leaf mould in addition to concentrated organic manures. The rate of application of Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013

Table 2 – Elements, concentration and their role in plant metabolism Elements

Quantity in whole plants

Function

Carbon

45%

All cellular constituents

Oxygen

43%

All cellular constituents

Hydrogen

6%

All cellular constituents

Nitrogen Potassium

3-5% 1.5-3%

Calcium

0.1-3.5%

All living matter, amino acids, proteins Enzyme system in the change of sugar to starch, citric acid synthesis, in the change of amino acids to proteins, respiration, interaction with iron enzymes, photosynthesis, buffer Cell wall, cell permeability, buffer

Sulphur

0.05-1.5%

All living matter, proteins, nodulations in legumes, allyl oils of mustards,

Phosphorous

0.25-0.5%

All living matter, nucleo proteins, lipids, phosphorylation enzymes

Magnesium

0.05-0.7%

A part of the chlorophyll molecule, enzyme activator of hexokinase,

chlorophyll synthesis

phosphorylase, carboxylase, dehydrogenase, peptidase, photosynthesis, buffer Chlorine Iron

100-300 ppm 10-1500 ppm

Manganese

5-1500 ppm

With Na and K it helps in maintaining cation anion balance A part of the porphyrin compounds cytochrome enzyme system, chlorophyll synthesis Chlorophyll synthesis, stabilisation of H- atoms split from H-OH by hydrogenation in photosynthesis, reduction of nitrates to nitrites, activator of arginase, carboxylases and dehydrogenases

Zinc Copper

3-150 ppm 2-75 ppm

Boron

2-75 ppm

Tryptophan synthesis, phosphorylation enzymes, enzymes in chloroplasts Enzyme in synthesis of ascorbic acid, activator of polyphenoloxidase, lactase and oxidase phosphorylation enzymes, glutamine synthesis, nodulation in legumes

Molybdenum

Very less

Nodulation in legumes, tannin synthesis, reduction of nitrates to nitrites

organic manure depends upon the source and nature of the soil. The best time of manure application to the established plants is after pruning. Both organic and fertilisations have beneficial effects on growth, development and flower production. The review on nutrition related work during last three decades indicated the significance of developing various technologies for increasing quality flower production. Each of the mineral elements is specific in its functions in plant metabolism. In order to maintain proper health and sustain production of roses, it is essential to apply the accurate fertiliser at correct time in appropriate amounts. The nutritional requirement varies with cultivars, Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013

soil type and its fertility status. Nitrogenous fertilisers are more important in vegetative growth and phosphates help in production of more and good quality blooms. Although Indian soils are quite rich in potassium, the potash fertilisers in combination with others give good results in some regions (34). To obtain maximum flower yield of rose cv. “Super Star ” an application of 500 kg N, 800 kg P2O5, and 700 kg K2 O along with 10 kg elemental sulphur; 50 kg each of MgSO4 and CaSO4 per hectare per year and foliar spray of FeSO 4 (0.1%), ZnSO 4 (0.5%) and Boron (0.2%) during November and January was found to be the best under Delhi conditions. Balanced feeding with nitrogen and

phosphorous impart vigour to the plant, enhance flower yield and quality. Application of 600 kg nitrogen in 4 split doses and 200 kg phosphorous per hectare in cv. Montezuma proved to be very effective in Nadia district of West Bengal for improving plant growth, yield and quality of rose flowers (51). The optimum dose of nitrogen and potassium and low amount of phosphorous provides a better vegetative growth with higher yield and anthocyanin pigmentation in rose cv. Celebration (25). The application of fertilisers NPK at the rate of 6:12:12 g/plant in Edward rose improved the flower production in south India (21). The higher flower yield from the plants of Rosa damascena was obtained with 100 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 per hectare along 16 3

with 1% Agromin + 50 ppm NAA (40). NPK fertilisation in cv. Superstar influenced nutrient content in different seasons of the year (13). It is well known that nearly 60-70 per cent N of total nitrogenous fertiliser is lost during transformation of ammonical form of nitrogen to nitrate form. For increasing fertiliser, nitrogen use efficiency, there is a need to limit the rate of ammonium oxidation. Although a number of nitrification inhibitors are available now days, but all of them have limitations in their usefulness in one or other way. Application of nitrogen along with encapsulated calcium carbide (CaC2), a nitrogen inhibitor, resulted in better utilisation of applied N by the rose plant of cv. Raktagandha and also markedly affected flowering, flower quality and flower yield (4).

number of flowers with more petals (5). Fertiliser Recommendation for Rose

 Apply

a mixture of urea, single superphosphate and potassium sulphate in the ratio of 1:3:2 at 50 g per plant or 10 kg per 100 sq. m. for three times i.e. first at pruning, second at the end of December when the first flush is over and third at the end of February when second flush of blooms is over.



Foliar feeding: Spray 3 gram mixture of urea, dihydrogen ammonium phosphate, potassium phosphate and potassium nitrate (2:1:1:1) along with 1.5 g of teepol at 10 days interval until last flush in March. Gladiolus

The secondary nutrients also play an important role for the improvement in production of quality rose flowers. It was observed that, the soil application of calcium, magnesium and sulphur appreciably affected the vegetative growth of rose cv. Raktagandha plants under Delhi conditions (6). Magnesium increases the stem length, bud size, flower diameter and number of petals per flower. Magnesium and calcium applications increase the longevity of intact flowers. Application of fertilisers in solution form to the soil or hydroponics or in fertigation is practiced for obtaining good exhibition blooms. The advantage of this method is that nutrients solution reaches the plant root for immediate utilization. Foliar application of nutrients not only rectifies the nutrient deficiency but also increase the flower production. In rose cv. Superstar foliar application of NPK at the rate of 200 ppm after pruning (3 weeks) at fortnight interval resulted in accelerated plant height, increased number of shoots, enforced basal diameter of shoot, induced early flowering and produced maximum 16 4

Corms of gladiolus are rich in carbohydrates which is sufficient to sustain plant growth for initial few weeks. The cormels, however, require fairly good amount of fertilisers because of limited amount of stored food due to their small size. Gladiolus requires both macro as well as micro nutrients for good growth and flower production. Nitrogen is primarily required to promote vegetative growth. Healthy gladiolus plants should contain 2.5 to 3.0 per cent N on dry weight basis. Nitrogen deficient plants remain weak, show pale green leaves, and produce shorter spikes with smallsized florets. Application of nitrogen varies with the agroclimatic conditions, where the crop is grown. Application of excess nitrogen should be avoided as it causes more vegetative growth and lanky spikes. Nitrogen should be applied in two equal split doses; first, when the plant reaches 3rd leaf stage, and second when it reaches 6th leaf stage. In addition, as and when the plants show symptoms of nitrogen deficiency, an additional application may be given immediately. Cormels may

be given nitrogen in 4-5 applications at about 3 week intervals, starting the first application at one month of the crop age. Nitrogen application should be stopped atleast six weeks before the harvesting of corms. Nitrate form of nitrogen is the safest and most suitable source of nitrogen as compared to ammonical form. The use of excessive ammonical nitrogen is detrimental to the crop as it causes high incidence of diseases. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient required for the development of good root system. For better growth in general, the leaves of gladiolus should contain 0.3-0.4 per cent phosphorus on dry weight basis. Full dose of phosphorus should be applied as a basal dose. The roots of gladiolus are highly sensitive to high salt concentrations in the soil. Therefore, in heavy soils, the phosphorus application may be delayed till the plant reaches 2-3 leaf stage and develops good root system. Potassium is known to increase resistance to diseases and photosynthetic efficacy of leaves. Potassium deficiency causes reduction in spike length, number of florets and corm size. Healthy plants of gladiolus should contain 3-4 per cent potassium in the leaves on dry weight basis. Potassium may be applied at the time of planting of corms or when the plant reaches 1-2 leaf stage. Important micro-nutrients for gladiolus are iron (Fe), boron (B), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). Iron deficiency is, however, most prevalent in gladiolus especially in North Western plains of India. Iron deficiency causes interveinal yellowing of new leaves and in severe deficiency, the emerging spikes turn light green to yellow. The deficiency is more pronounced in alkaline soils or in the soil where levels of copper, manganese, zinc or phosphorus are very high. Always apply freshly prepared solution Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013

because the ferrous is oxidized to ferric and become unavailable to the plant.

and 50 kg of nitrogen, 160 kg P2O5 and 80 kg K2O per hectare as basal dose.

Fertiliser Gladiolus



Recommendation

for

 N, P, K each @ 200 kg/ha.  Nitrogen may be applied

in 3-4 split applications i.e. before planting, at 2-3 leaf stage, at spike emergence and after completion of flowering. Chrysanthemum The chrysanthemum is known to respond well to fertiliser application. Nitrogen plays an important role during early vegetative stage while potassium during bud appearance stage. The plants need phosphorous during their growth period and can be easily applied as it is released slowly. The recommended dose of NPK fertilisation varies with the climatic condition of different regions of our country. Liquid feeding is commonly preferred in greenhouses as the nutrients are readily available to the plants. The toxic effects due to high concentrations coming into indirect contact with roots are less in liquid form. Top dressing is necessary because of depletion of nutrients, chiefly nitrogen and potassium as they are used up by growing plants. Top dressing with 40 g nitrogen and 20 g potash per m2 is sufficient for better growth and development. This dose can be repeated after one month of planting. In potted plants, the peripheral portion near the rim of the pot is the correct location for top dressing. Nitrogen application at 100, 150 or 200 mg/litre in combination with at least 10 mg/ sulphur/litre produced plants of commercial quality (24). Fertiliser Recommendation Chrysanthemum

for

 After land preparation, apply 1012 tonnes per hectare of well decomposed farm yard manure Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013

Top dress the crop with 50 kg nitrogen per hectare at the time of first pinching. Marigold Information on requirement of macro and micro nutrients is scanty, although marigold responds to fertilisation. Increased number of flowers per plant was obtained with the application of 60 kg nitrogen, 90 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2 O per hectare (1). It was found that nitrogen levels had significant influence on the growth, dry matter production, flower yield and floral parameters (12). Nitrogen fertilisation had a marginal effect on the consumptive use of water and water use efficiency which may be due to higher flower yield at 300 kg N/ha in relation to a very small increase in evaporation (19). Few attempts have been made for foliar application for higher productivity in marigold. However, in addition to NPK, foliar sprays of 0.2% urea should be done at an interval of 15 days. Fertiliser Recommended Dose for Marigold

 200 kg N and 80 kg P and K per hectare for good vegetative growth and flower yield.

 Full dose application of P and K at the time of land preparation. N in two split doses i.e. 1st at the time of land preparation and 2 nd one month after transplanting. China Aster Application of manures and fertilisers in required quantities is important for proper growth, yield and quality of flowers. The deficiency of nitrogen causes dwarfing of plants and small size flowers. Phosphorus deficiency causes delayed flowering. Nitrogen

was the most effective nutrient which significantly increased flower number, diameter and seed yield. Top dressing with 120 kg N, 80 kg P2O5 and 120 kg K2O per hectare at 10-12 leaf stage gave better results than at bud stage or shortly before flowering. The application of recommended dose of NPK and 15 t FYM/ha or 8 t phospho-compost/ha is optimal for high flower yields (40). China aster responds well to micronutrients and application of Zn, Cu, B and Mn improved the quality of flowers. Asters are moderately sensitive to salinity caused by sodium salts resulted in decreased plant height and flower size. Fertiliser Recommendation for China Aster

 120 kg N, 80 kg P2O5 and 120 kg

K2O per hectare at 10-12 leaf stage. Tuberose Tuberose requires heavy nutrition; therefore fertiliser application is essential for its cultivation. The application of organic matter is essential for promoting growth and more spike production. At the time of land preparation, FYM should be applied at the rate of 20 tonnes per hectare. The application of green manures like Gliricidia trilobus, Phaseolus trilobous and Oxalis corniculata at the rate of 10 tonnes/ ha promoted early spike emergence (15). In tuberose, nitrogen is much more vital element than phosphorous and potassium which influences yield and quality of flowers and bulb production. Nitrogen deficiency reduces number of spikes and flowers as well as turning of foliage to pale green. However, excess nitrogen makes the flower spikes quite tall and soft further making them vulnerable to wind and pests. Application of 325 kg N and 125 kg each P 2 O 5 and K 2 O per hectare resulted in high uptake both at 50% flowering and harvesting stage (28). 165

Table 3 – Fertiliser solution for roses Nutrient

Concentration (mg/l)

No3-N

156

Ca S-SO 2

Nutrient

Concentration (mg/l)

P

46

132

K

174

23

Fe

1.5

Mn

1.1

B

0.28

Mo

0.003

Cu

0.15

If the water has a very low EC then the above solution will have an EC of about 1.7 mS/cm Source: (38).

Fertiliser Tuberose

Recommendation

for

 FYM @ 3-4 tonnes per hectare.  100-250 kg N, 100-150 kg P2O 5

bimonthly interval resulted in higher flower yield. Similar to macro-nutrients, micro-nutrients supplemented through foliar spray also increased flower production.

Jasmine

Fertiliser Jasmine

and 75-100 kg K2O per hectare.

The cultivation of Jasmine is a paying enterprise but the evidences on its nutritional requirement are very meager. They respond to intensive application of manures, however, heavy manuring encouraged vegetative growth and hampers quality and quantity of blooming. A basal dose of 10 kg FYM per plant per year along with fertiliser dose of 100 g N, 150 g P 2 O 5 and 100 g K 2 O enhances the flowering of Jasminum grandiflorum (7). However, a basal application of 20 kg FYM per plant was given for enhancing the flower yield (46). It is evident that the application of 10-30 kg of FYM/ plant affects the growth performance of the different jasmine cultivars. A significant improvement has been observed in flower yield and other characters with each increment of N dose up to 100 g/plant/year in Jasminum grandiflorum (7). The flower yield in Jasminum grandiflorum was found to be enhanced with the foliar application of P and K at 120 gram per plant (23). Application of nitrogen and potassium in Jasminum sambac at 240 g/plant/year at 16 6

Recommendation

for

 Jasminum auriculatum: 120 g N: 240 g P2O5:120 g K2O per plant.



Jasminum sambac: 60 g N: 60 g P2O5:120 g K2O per plant.

 Jasminum grandiflorum: 60g N: 60 g P2O5:120 g K2O per plant. Nutritional Management in Flower Crops under Protected Conditions Nutrients are usually applied with irrigation water in greenhouse crops. Fertiliser tanks are used for fertigation because of many advantages such as low rate of application, uniform distribution, better nutrient use efficiency, easy availability of nutrients to the plants, etc. Rose The most important aspect in greenhouse cultivation of roses is nutrition. The fertiliser regime is followed only after the soil and water analysis is carried out and quantities are compared with the standards available. It is always

desired that the nutrients are applied in smaller quantities more frequently, so that the plants get a regular supply of the required nutrients. Commercial grade 110% water soluble or liquid fertilisers are used to enrich the roses that are usually given through irrigation system. During summer months, the nutrient requirements of roses per unit area per day is distributed into three equal parts and is injected into the drip lines when irrigated in the morning, afternoon and evening. However, during rainy and winter seasons, the frequency of irrigation is reduced and the nutrient content is adjusted into one or two irrigations. Rose develops nutritional disorders and deficiencies very quickly and recovers its normal growth very slowly. In order to ensure the maximum availability of all the nutrients, it is advisable to maintain a soil pH between 5.5 to 6.3. When grown under polyhouse conditions it requires heavy dose of nitrogen and potassium; moderate dose of phosphorous, magnesium, sulphur, manganese, copper and molybdenum. It is very sensitive to iron and boron deficiencies .Generally for cut roses, the basic nutrient concentration is 150-200 ppm nitrogen. The recommended soil nutrient levels for roses are: Nitrates 25-75 mg/litre, Phosphorus 4-6 mg/litre, Potassium 30-80 mg/litre (5% base solution), Calcium 80 mg/litre (6070% base solution), Magnesium 5 mg/litre (10 % base saturation) (16) (Table 3). The foliar nutrient level for fertiliser application programme to produce good quality flowers is mentioned in Table 4. Gerbera Gerbera plants need ample amount of macro-nutrients especially phosphorus and potassium for profuse flowering. A standard feeding solution for gerbera contains anions (mmol/ Indian Journal of Fertilisers, April 2013

Table 4 – Foliar nutrient level for fertiliser application programme Nutrient

Range

Nutrient

Range

Nitrogen

3.5-4.5 %

Iron

70-320 ppm

Phosphorous

0.2-0.3 %

Zinc

20-80 ppm

Potassium

2.0-2.5 %

Copper

5-30 ppm

Calcium

1.0-1.5 %

Boron

30-200 ppm

Magnesium

0.28-0.32 %

Manganese

35-490 ppm

litre) e.g. NO3: 8.0-13.0, Cl