Effect of composition and concentration of nutrient solution on the uptake of mineral elements by muskmelon grown in rockwool in the fall

Abstract

Effects of composition and concentration of nutrient solution on the uptake of nutrients by muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Earl's Favourite) grown in rockwool in the fall were compared with those grown in the spring (Jang and Nukaya, 1997). Muskmelons were supplied full and half strength Enshi solution and full strength of Shizudai solution. Leaf and stem fresh weights were greater at full strength of Shizudai and half strength of Enshi solution than those given full strength Enshi. The plants absorbed more mineral elements (me · plant-1 · day-1) and the uptake concentration (uptake ratio of mineral elements to nutrient solution, me · liter-1) were greater at earlier growth stages, and less at later ones in all solutions. The absorption rate tended to be faster at full strength of Enshi solution than with other solutions. Our data reveal that the uptake rate and concentration were similar to those reported in the spring experiment. However, the uptake rate and concentration by the fall crop tended to be slightly lower at earlier stages and higher at later Stages compared with those in the spring crop.