Changes in inorganic element concentrations in leaves and nutrient solution of supplied and drained during retarding cultivation of Lycopersicum esculentum var. 'Dafnis' and 'TY Tiny'

This research was conducted to secure fundamental data for development of a recirculating hydroponic system. To achieve this, Lycopersicum esculentum var. 'Dafnis' and 'TY Tiny' were grown with Yamazaki hydroponic solution and the inorganic element concentrations of plant leaves and nutrient solution of supplied and drained were analyzed periodically. The T-N and P contents in both varieties of tomato leaves showed gradual decreasing tendencies with the passage of time. The 'TY Tiny' tomato had higher contents of those two nutrients than 'Dafnis' tomato in the late stage. The K content of 'Dafnis' tomato was high in the early growth stage, but low in the late stage. However, that of 'TY Tiny' tomatoes rose in the late stage. The Ca content gradually increased in both varieties of tomato in the latter stages. The EC of the drained nutrient solution in both varieties of tomato showed increasing tendencies as time had passed, but the pH was get lowered in the drained solution. The concentrations of NO₃-N, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, and B, except PO₄-P in the drained nutrient solution were generally higher than those in the supplied solution, especially in the period of October through December. The above results can be used for controlling of nutrient concentrations in the recirculated hydroponic cultivation of tomato.