Precision nutrient management for export quality chrysanthemum: Soil nutrient status in relation to plant uptake

N. Dayang Safinah, A.B. Noor Haslizawati, M. Intan Nadhirah and H. Abdul Razak

Abstract

Two established farms that produce export quality chrysanthemum cut flowers at Kuala Terla and Ringlet, Cameron Highlands, Pahang were selected as the study area. Samplings of soils and plants at vegetative and reproductive stage were selected based on plants that show the best growth performance, so that the soil-plant nutrient status is considered to be at optimum level. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between soil nutrient status with plant nutrient uptake, and to monitor the translocation of nutrients from soils to the plants parts. Results obtained indicated that soil types and prevailing soil conditions can affect certain nutrient concentrations in the soils. This study also found that there is significant difference in nutrient requirement during vegetative and reproductive stage. It was shown that nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) tend to accumulate very high in the leaves for both Kuala Terla and Ringlet. Meanwhile, lowest nutrient accumulation is in the stem and root. The most mobile nutrient for chrysanthemum uptake is N, while Ca and Mg are the least mobile nutrients. To optimise the supply and demand of nutrients through soil-plant system, site-specific nutrient management should be implemented.

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