ABSTRACT
In hydroponic cultivation of leafy vegetables, the plant nutritional requirements are among the most important factors that influence production and product quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of levels of N, P and K on the dry matter production and mineral nutrition of hydroponically grown green onion cultivar 'Todo Ano" (Allium fistulosum L.). Experiments were conducted with each nutrient at three levels: starvation, adequate and excessive. The experiments were arranged in a completely randomized design, split plot in time, with four replications and ten plants per plot. At 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT), dry matter production of shoots and roots were evaluated. At 45 and 60 DAT, the contents and total accumulation of N, P and K and the contents of Ca and Mg in the shoots were evaluated. In hydroponics, N and P deficiencies are more limiting than K deficiency. The growth of green onion cultivar 'Todo Ano ' with low levels of P mainly affected the growth of the root system. Nitrogen deficiency negatively affected the absorption of P, K, Ca and Mg. The toxicity of N in green onion is manifested by excessive growth of the aerial part and increased laxity of the leaves. Excessive P and K in the nutrient solution caused no visual symptoms of toxicity of P or K, but excessive levels of K decreases the Ca and Mg contents in the shoots.
Key words:
Allium fistulosum L.; hydroponics, toxicity; nutritional deficiency; nutritional diagnosis.
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