Abstract
The current production system of roses in Kenya involves mostly the use of soil and open drip irrigation, which is inefficient as water and nutrients are lost through drainage. A recycling system can improve efficiency, as drainage water containing nutrients is re-used. A study was carried out from January to June 2013, at van den Berg Roses (a commercial rose farm) in Naivasha, Kenya, to evaluate a cocopeat-based system for rose production in comparison with a conventional soil-based production system. Net water use, stem production, stem length and economic benefits were assessed. Net water use in the cocopeat system and soil systems were 411 and 1098 L m-2, respectively. The difference of 687 L m-2 equals 65% water saving as a result of using the cocopeat system. The cumulative number of harvested stems m-2 in the cocopeat system was 24% higher than in the soil system. Rose stems harvested from the cocopeat system were on average longer, with 64% of the stems falling in the 60 and 70 cm categories, while this was 46% for the stems harvested from the soil system. Average stem weights were 39.2 and 33.6 g in the cocopeat and soil system, respectively. The results show that a cocopeat system with re-use of drain water in a soil system results in water saving, higher yield and better rose flower quality. A total of 764 L m-2 containing 1482 g m-2 fertilizer was collected from cocopeat and used in soil system over the period. The fertilizer in the drain solution was valued at € 0.93 m-2. Overall turnover from cocopeat was greater than soil system by € 3.15 m-2. The higher amount of marketable weight can be attributed to the greater number of stems that were obtained from the cocopeat compared to the soil.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the I International Symposium on Ornamentals in Africa |
Editors | J.M. Wesonga, A.M. Opiyo |
Publisher | ISHS |
Pages | 111-119 |
Volume | 1077 |
ISBN (Print) | 9789462610705 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Event | International Symposium on Ornamentals in Africa, Naivasha, Kenya - Duration: 26 Mar 2015 → … |
Conference/symposium
Conference/symposium | International Symposium on Ornamentals in Africa, Naivasha, Kenya |
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Period | 26/03/15 → … |
Keywords
- Hydroponics
- Reverse Osmosis
- Water Re-Use