Irrigation timing affects plant growth and mineral nutrient concentration in coleus and kale.

Mathias S. Solliday* and Nicole L. Waterland
Division of Plant and Soil Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505

Presentation No.: 36

Assigned Category (Presentation Format): Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (Poster Presentations)

Student’s Major: Horticulture

The irrigation regime can have a major impact on the growth and development of plants. Growers often irrigate their crop once a day or every other day. However, studies have shown that plants are experiencing mild drought stress between irrigation events, which can negatively affect plant growth. Two species of popular horticulture crops were examined to evaluate the effects of irrigation timing on growth and mineral uptake. Kale (Brassica oleracea), considered to be a nutritious vegetable crop, and coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides), a popular ornamental crop, were irrigated equal volumes of water either 400 ml once a day (control) or 100 ml four times a day. After one week of irrigation, kale and coleus showed different patterns of growth index and mineral uptake. Coleus watered four times a day had a greater average growth index than the coleus watered once a day. In contrast, the average growth index of control kale was greater than that of kale watered four times a day. This study showed timing of irrigation affects plant growth in a species dependent manner.

Funding:

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's SURE program (Rita Rio & Michelle Richards-Babb)