Growth and Fertilizer Consumption of Single-node Cutting Rose `Versillia' by Mineral Nutrient Control in a Closed Hydroponic System

This study was conducted to understand the effect of different nutrient control method on the growth, cut-flower quality, root activity and fertilizer consumption. Single-node cutting rose `Versillia' was grown in aeroponics and DFT system and was irrigated with the nutrient solution of the Univ. of Seoul (NO3 -N 8.8, NH4 -N 0.67, P 2.0, K 4.8, Ca 4.0, Mg 2.0 me·L-1). Recirculated nutrient solution was managed by five different control method: macro- and micro-element control in aeroponic system (M&M); macroelement control in aeroponic system (M); nutrient solution supplement in aeroponic system (S); electrical conductivity (EC) control in aeroponic system (EC-A); EC control in deep flow technique system (EC-D). The mineral nutrient control method had significantly effected on the cut-flower quality. In the M&M and M, flower length, fresh weight and root activity were higher than those with other mineral nutrients control method. Although EC-A and EC-D could save total amount of fertilizer compared to M&M and M, the growth and quality of the rose with EC control system were lower than those with mineral nutrient control system. Therefore, these result suggest that EC control system is not economic method in a closed hydroponic system.