Determination of the SPAD index and nitrate and potassium levels in the petiole sap and applied and drain nutrient solution for diagnosis and prognosis of nutritional status of tomato in two kinds of agricultural substrates

• Grant number: 11/20328-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2012
• End date: April 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Crop Science
• Principal Investigator: Keigo Minami
• Grantee: Marina Sturion Bortoletto
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The use of fertilizers through irrigation water, which process is called fertigation, is becoming increasingly common in Brazil. The supply of nutrients for the nutrient solution must be done in order to optimal concentrations can raise productivity and improve product quality. Thus, in management of nutrient solution, it is essential to maintain the concentration of nutrients at satisfactory levels and thus enable the plants to have their needs nutrients supplied throughout its development. It is also essential to monitor and periodically monitor factors like temperature, pH and electrical conductivity for they are always within optimal ranges. Practical methods have been evaluated for monitoring the nutritional status of plants for management of fertigation, as portable meters of nutrients from ion electrodes specific and those that analyze the amount of green leaves. The present experiment will be conducted in a greenhouse located in the College of Agriculture "Luiz de Queiroz ", Piracicaba (SP) and will aim to determine the SPAD index and nitrate and potassium levels in the petiole sap and applied and drain nutrient solution for diagnosis and prognosis of nutritional status of tomato in two kinds of agricultural substrates. (AU)