The aim of the experiments was to achieve a reduction in the concentration of a The aim of the experiments was to achieve a reduction in the concentration of a nutrient solution used for fertigation of miniature gerbera grown in perlite. During the first 4 weeks after the planting of gerberas, the nutrient solution used for fertigation had a concentration of 1.4 mS cm–1. Next, half of the plants were nourished with the standard nutrient (EC 2.0 ± 10% mS cm–1) while the other half received a more dissolved solution (EC 1.6 ± 10% mS cm–1). The overflow was set at 25% of the daily applied nutrient solution. The number of flowers, the diameter of flower heads and the length of peduncle were not affected by a 20% decrease in the concentration of nutrient solution. The nutritional status of gerbera was also satisfactory. The concentrations of most ions in the leakage were slightly higher than in the nutrient solutions applied for fertigation. The results indicate that the application of solutions with a lower EC did not cause any drastic changes in the plant root environment. The study showed that it is possible to use about 20% less of fertilizers without any negative effects on the number and quality of gerbera flowers grown in perlite. Similar studies should be performed to analyze potential savings of fertilizer in the cultivation of other plant species. The results could contribute to lesser environmental pollution.

18.4.2013