Growth of Chrysanthemum Using an Irrigation System Controlled by Soil Moisture Tension

Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat. cv. Polaris plants were grown in containers using an irrigation system based either on time (5 min/day) or on soil moisture tensions of −1.5, −3.5, −7.5, and −15 kPa. Soil moisture tensions of −7.5 or −15 kPa caused significant reductions over the time-based treatment in fresh and dry weights of leaves, stems, and inflorescences and total leaf area, but had no influence on inflorescence diameter or cropping time. Stem length was reduced in those plants exposed to the two higher tensions; however, the resulting cut flowers were still long enough to satisfy commercial demands. The amount of water applied in tension-based treatments was 8% to 24% that applied in the time-based treatment. The −1.5- and −3.5-kPa treatments were best suited for minimizing water use while maintaining high crop productivity.