Improving nutrient management in the cultivation of ornamental plants in greenhouse, container and field production (Chapter 11)

Authors: MAJSZTRIK, JOHN - University Of Maryland; Owen Jr, James - Jim

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2020
Publication Date: 4/28/2020
Citation: Majsztrik, J., Owen Jr, J.S. 2020. Improving nutrient management in the cultivation of ornamental plants in greenhouse, container and field production (Chapter 11). In: Marcelis, L. and E. Heuvelink. Achieving sustainable greenhouse cultivation. Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK. 23 pp.

Interpretive Summary: Globally, ornamental plant purchases are estimated to reach $57.4 billion by 2024. Environmental horticulture, including nursery and greenhouse production,occurs at varying levels of infrastructure, based on the production method and schedule. Many of factors that influence the production of ornamental plants that are for the most part out of the control of producers, but there are some key factors that growers can and should control, including optimizing irrigation and fertilizer efficiency in their operation, which are the focus of this chapter. Proper nutrition in containerized and field grown plants is essential for maximized growth and profitability. Macronutrients and micronutrients along with substrate or soil amendments ensure that plants remain healthy and continue to grow optimally in both mineral soils and soil-less substrates. Nutrient management coupled with precise irrigation are key factors in growing healthy high-quality plants for the ornamental plant industry. The following topics will be discussed in this chapter: irrigation and water quality concerns for growers; the different types of fertilizer and when they should be used; the impact of soils and substrates on fertilizers; and the impact of production systems on fertilizer longevity.

Technical Abstract: Globally, ornamental plant purchases are estimated to reach $57.4 billion by 2024. Environmental horticulture, including nursery and greenhouse production,occurs at varying levels of infrastructure, based on the production method and schedule. Many of factors that influence the production of ornamental plants that are for the most part out of the control of producers, but there are some key factors that growers can and should control, including optimizing irrigation and fertilizer efficiency in their operation, which are the focus of this chapter. Proper nutrition in containerized and field grown plants is essential for maximized growth and profitability. Macronutrients and micronutrients along with substrate or soil amendments ensure that plants remain healthy and continue to grow optimally in both mineral soils and soil-less substrates. Nutrient management coupled with precise irrigation are key factors in growing healthy high-quality plants for the ornamental plant industry. The following topics will be discussed in this chapter: irrigation and water quality concerns for growers; the different types of fertilizer and when they should be used; the impact of soils and substrates on fertilizers; and the impact of production systems on fertilizer longevity.