Effects of Substrate Type on Plant Growth and Nitrate Leaching in Cut Flower Production of Oriental Lily

Four types of media [coir, 1 coir: 1 peat (by volume), peat, and sandy loam soil] were evaluated for their effects on plant growth and nitrate (NO 3 - )leaching in the production of oriental lilies (Lilium L.) 'Starfighter' and 'Casa Blanca'. Twenty-five bulbs were planted in perforated plastic crates and placed on the ground in temperature-controlled greenhouses. The potential for NO 3 - leaching was determined by placing an ion-exchange resin (IER) bag under each crate at the beginning of the study. After plant harvest (14 to 16 weeks), resin bags were collected and analyzed for NO 3 - content. Plant tissues were dried, ground, and analyzed for N content. Results indicated that the use of coir and peat did not significantly influence plant growth (shoot dry weight) relative to the use of sandy loam soil; however, substrate type influenced the amount of NO 3 - leached through the media and N accumulation in the shoots for 'Starfighter', but not 'Casa Blanca'.

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