Soil management in integrated rose production system

Abstract

Integrated production systems have been used with various crops, and their use in floriculture is innovative. The effects of green fertilization in floriculture and the appropriate fertilization levels are still unknown. The aim was to identify the best dose of chemical fertilizer, with or without green fertilization, for integrated production of ‘Carola’ roses. The treatments consisted of 4 doses of the chemical fertilization recommended for rose bushes, (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), with or without green fertilization (calopo). Plants that were not treated with 100% (or complete) of chemical fertilization were supplemented monthly with Bokashi (16 g/plant, via the soil) and biofertilizer (5% via the leaves). The assessments were conducted 3 times per week for a year. The use of less chemical fertilizer did not affect rose production or quality, whereas the use of green fertilization did not provide a satisfactory outcome. The analyses, biometric, accumulation and nutrient content, and chemical characteristics of the soil, indicated that green fertilization with calopo was not beneficial. Moreover, with the exception of nitrogen and magnesium, there is the possibility of using 75% of the recommended chemical fertilization in rose bushes.