Discussion on Soilless Culture Technique of Flowers

1 introduction

The method of using nutrient solution and other facilities to cultivate plants without soil is called soilless cultivation. Soilless cultivation of flowers is safe and hygienic, pollution-free, high quality, easy to control growth, can follow the city, and growth is not restricted by soil and water. In recent years, soilless cultivation of flowers in China has developed rapidly, and soilless cultivation of flowers will be widely used in families, public places and private roof gardens. However, there are also some problems in actual production, such as the occurrence of a small amount of diseases and insect pests, the imbalance of plant absorption due to the amount of inorganic salts in the nutrient solution, and so on. This paper mainly summarizes the feasible basis of soilless cultivation of flowers and several problems that should be paid attention to in soilless cultivation of flowers in order to communicate.

2 Overview of soilless cultivation of flowers

2.1 advantages and disadvantages of soilless cultivation of flowers

It overcomes the traditional way of soil cultivation and gets rid of some limitations of natural conditions. Make full use of the space, not limited by the geographical location. The yield of flowers per unit area is high, and the quality standard of flowers is the same, so it is suitable for the production of a large number of commercial cut flowers. The places where germs and eggs lurk over the winter are removed, thus reducing the occurrence of diseases and insect pests. The utilization rate of nutrition is higher than that of soil cultivation, reducing the loss by 30% to 40%. Without soil cultivation, reduce labor procedures, reduce labor intensity, the whole production process needs automatic control, so that flower production is modernized, standardized and commercialized. Lay the foundation for modern agriculture. However, the technology of soilless cultivation of flowers is professional, the one-time investment is large, and the cost is too high.

2.2 Development trend of soilless cultivation of flowers

From the trend of flower consumption, temporary flowers such as conference and gift flowers are mainly fresh cut flowers, accounting for 80% of this kind of flower consumption, more permanent flowers such as interior decoration, and indoor flowers are mainly potted flowers and bonsai. The grade of flowers tends to be precious, safe and hygienic, small and light, and diverse in style. this trend brings opportunities for the development of soilless cultivation of flowers.

3The basis of soilless cultivation of flowers.

Nutrient solution can replace soil to provide a variety of nutrients for plant growth, many of which are natural and processed inorganic or organic matter, light weight, non-toxic, tasteless, dust-free, can be used instead of soil to support plants. The application of computer in soilless cultivation can automatically control the concentration, pH and dosage of nutrient solution, temperature, humidity, light and so on, which makes the cultivation management simple, automatic and scientific. The emergence of some new industrial products, such as rock wool and styrofoam, provides an excellent substrate for soilless cultivation. According to the laws of some countries, restrictions on the import of earthy plants have also promoted the development of soilless cultivation in the exporting countries of ornamental plants. The emergence of soilless cultivation has brought about fundamental changes in the cultivation of ornamental plants. There are also many problems in soilless cultivation, such as the occurrence of a small number of diseases and insect pests, the imbalance of plant absorption due to the amount of inorganic salts in nutrient solution, and the reduction of cost, etc., which need further research in order to promote the development of soilless cultivation technology.

4 key techniques of soilless cultivation of flowers

4.1 selection of matrix

4.1.1 adaptability of root system

One of the advantages of soilless matrix is that it can create the best environmental conditions for plant root growth, that is, the best ratio of water to air. Aerial roots and fleshy roots need good ventilation, while keeping the humidity around the roots above 80%, or even 100% moisture. The robust root system requires more than 80%, and the ventilation is good.

4.1.2 practicality

The small bulk density of the substrate takes into account the convenient handling of soilless cultivated flowers. Preferred substrates include ceramsite, vermiculite, perlite, rock wool, sawdust, urine aldehyde and peat and their mixed substrates. The use of rich and cheap substrates such as sand, gravel and slag in the production base can greatly reduce the cost.

4.1.3 economy

From a comprehensive economic point of view, the selection of ceramsite and perlite in flower cultivation is more economical and economical, and can be reused with a little treatment at the same time.

4.2 preparation of nutrient solution

Nutrient solution, like substrate, is the core part of soilless culture. the preparation of nutrient solution is most famous for the nutrient solution formula studied by American plant nutritionist Hoagland, and has been widely used all over the world. A balanced nutrient solution called garden test formula has also been widely used in Japan.

4.2.1 preparation of nutrient solution

Do not use metal containers when preparing nutrient solution, let alone store them in metal containers. Ceramic, enamel, plastic and glassware should be used. In the preparation, various inorganic salts are melted with a small amount of warm water of 50 ℃, and then poured into the water containing 75% of the specified capacity one by one according to the order in the formula, while stirring, and finally the water is added to the full amount. When adjusting the pH value, the acid and alkali are diluted and added to the nutrient solution drop by drop, and tested continuously at the same time. Note that acid should be poured into the water.

4.2.2 selection of nutrient solution

When using nutrient solution in soilless culture, on the one hand, plant absorption will reduce the content of some elements, on the other hand, it will increase the concentration because of the water evaporation of the solution itself, so when the growth of flowers is normal, when the nutrient solution is reduced, it is only necessary to add new water instead of replenishing the nutrient solution.

When adding supplementary nutrient solution to the water culture trough or large area soilless culture substrate, it should be poured from different parts, and the distance between the injection points should not exceed 3m. The fast-growing 1 ~ 2-year-old grass flowers, perennial root flowers and bulb flowers can all use the original solution at the growth peak stage, and then due to the gradual decrease in growth, 1 ∶ 1 or other proportion of diluent can be used as appropriate.