Strategic timing and rate of phosphorus fertilization improves phosphorus-use efficiency in two contrasting cultivars of subirrigated greenhouse-grown chrysanthemum

EDITOR'S CHOICE: Strategic timing and rate of phosphorus fertilization improves phosphorus-use efficiency in two contrasting cultivars of subirrigated greenhouse-grown chrysanthemum Barry J. Shelp, William J. Sutton, and Edward J. Flaherty Read the Open Access paper: https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/full/10.1139/cjps-2019-0173 Subirrigation reduces nutrient use and environmental risk associated with greenhouse floriculture operations. Understanding the uptake and utilization of nutrients in plants could further improve this nutrient delivery practice. Here, the phosphorus supply to subirrigated potted chrysanthemums was reduced, compared to industry standards, and then removed at the onset of flower growth. Phosphorus delivery was reduced by up to 75% over the crop cycle without adversely affecting plant and flower quality. Furthermore, the primary mechanism for sustaining plant growth with decreasing phosphorus delivery was improved uptake efficiency. Our modified subirrigation practice could contribute significantly to low-input production of floricultural crops.