The effect of nitrogen,volume of media,plant density and module shape on the growth of asparagus seedlings

There were three experiments in which the seedlings were raised in media contained in plastic cells. In Experiment 1, 150 or 200 mg l^?1 N were applied in factorial combination with cell volumes of 20, 32 or 50 cm³, There were 6 successional harvests. All cells were 7.5 cm deep and cylindrical in shape. Experiment 2 compared these 3 cell volumes at densities of 983, 1532 or 2440 plants per m². Cell diameters restricted the 50-cm³ cell to the 983, and the 32-cm³ cell to the 983 and 1532 plants per m² densities. 200 mg l^?1 N increased shoot growth, but not root growth. This increase in shoot growth was not considered advantageous. Seedling growth increased with increases in cell volume, but there were no responses to changes in plant density. Experiment 3 compared a cell having an inverted pyramid shape with a cylinder. The cylinder, despite holding 20% less media, produced the larger seedlings.