Description:
Hyacinth growers argue that optimal yield and quality of their bulbs can only be achieved by ample supply of farmyard manure. Government policies on the use of N and P, however, restrict the use of farmyard manure and hyacinth growers claim that the optimal amount can't be applied anymore. The government's Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) is willing to investigate the supposed special effect of farmyard manure but also wants to investigate whether alternative organic amendments can achieve optimal yield and quality.
Research objectives:
For hyacinth growers:
1. to determine the optimal application rate of farm yard manure for yield and quality of hyacinth (flowering of bulbs)
2. to explain the supposed positive effect of farmyard manure on hyacinth cultivation
3. to determine the effect of historically applied organic amendments to the planting material (hyacinth cultivation usually takes 4 seasons to produce large bulbs for flowering)
For EL&I:
To determine whether farmyard manure is essential for optimal yield and bulb quality and possible replacement of farmyard manure with alternative organic amendments within the restrictions on N and P use.
Results and products:
Until now, no special effect of farmyard manure on yield and flowering ability has been determined. |
