The influence of nutrition and shading on container-grown Ficus Macrophylla: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Horticultural Science (Honours) in the University of Canterbury

Abstract

The nutrition of Ficus macrophylla growing in a peat: sand (l:lv/v) medium was examined with a central composite design utilising 5 levels each of N, P, Kand Lime and a 5 x 2 factorial experiment with 5N and 2P levels. It is highly responsive to NPK fertilisation. Increasing N levels increased all the parameters measured, resulting in plants which were taller, had thicker stems, more leaf area, dry weight and were visually pleasing. However, the response to N is even greater at high P levels due to strong NP interactions for several aspects of foliage growth. High levels of K were found to strongly promote leaf area and dry,weights at high N levels. Lime fertilisation, generally, is depressive to production of good quality plants. However, the depressive effects of lime are considerably modified by NPK levels. At high NPK levels, increasing lime levels can also produce good quality plants.