Iowa State University
Irradiance, total nitrogen, and nitrate-N: ammonium-N ratio requirements for optimal edible biomass production of basil
Abstract
dc:description.abstract<p>Our objective was to determine the optimal irradiance, total N concentration, and NO3--N:NH4+-N ratio for greatest edible biomass production of three cultivars of basil (Basilicum ocimum L.) in a controlled-environment production system. Preliminary experiments showed basil required a dark period, but the duration of the dark period was not resolved. Based on our results, canopy-level irradiance should not exceed 500 mumol/m2/s to conserve energy while enabling the greatest edible biomass production of basil in a controlled-environment production system. Optimal edible biomass production occurred at 100 to 250 mg N/L at a ratio of 50:50 nitrate-N : ammonium-N. All plants died in the 100% ammonium-N treatment. Regression models that allow analysis for optimum conditions suggest a nitrate-N : ammonium-N ratio of 50:50 to 75:25 yielded the greatest biomass of basil.</p>
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Master of Science
- Level thesis:degree_level
- thesis
- Department dc:contributor.department
- Department of Horticulture
- Year dc:date.issued
- 2008
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Beaman, Angela
- Advisors dc:contributor.advisor
-
- Richard J. Gladon
- Gail R. Nonnecke
- Loren C. Stephens
Rights
- Language dc:language.iso
- en
Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Identifier
- archive/lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/15474/
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:dr.lib.iastate.edu:20.500.12876/69110