Ratio K:Ca and application of silicon in the nutrient solution for the hydroponic cultivation of basil and coriander

• Grant number: 10/02539-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2010
• End date: March 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Crop Science
• Principal Investigator: Simone da Costa Mello
• Grantee: Graziele Ferezini
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The vegetables are classified as herbs are grown in different systems among which the hydroponic deserves the possibility of obtaining high quality products and greater value. The hydroponic system most widely adopted for production of vegetables is the laminar flow of nutrients (Nutrient Film Technique - NFT). In this system, environmental conditions and management of nutrient solution are key to achieving high productivity and quality of vegetables, including the concentrations of elements and relations between them. However, there is lack of information, especially regarding the most appropriate relationship between the nutrients K and Ca for growing coriander, basil and parsley in different environmental conditions. Moreover, little research has been done on using nutrient solutions of silicon in the development of these vegetables. The experiments will be conducted from October 2008 to May 2010 the Department of Plant Production, ESALQ / USP. The experiment will be the block design, arranged in a 3x2, with three relations K: Ca (0,5: 1,0, 1,0: 1,0 and 1,5: 1,0) and two doses of silicon (0 and 2 mmol L-1), with 4 replications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the relationship between K and Ca and Si application of foliar production and quality of coriander, basil and parsley in two growing seasons. (AU)