The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of soil moisture content during greenhouse production of selected floriculture crops. Over the course of several seasons, multiple flowering species were investigated, including Euphorbia milii, Cyclamen persicum, and Begonia x tuberhybrida. Plant quality characteristics were evaluated both during the production timeframe, and after a simulated shipping and retail setting. Treatments included two soil moisture content levels (20% and 40%), which was monitored by soil moisture probes. Production timelines varied, due to the differences in species. Once the predetermined production weeks were concluded the plant went into simulated shipping and retail environment. Qualities such as growth index (GI), leaf greenness (SPAD), Leaf thickness, petiole thickness, irrigation events, and irrigation amount were measured weekly. Flower number and foliage fresh /dry weights were gathered after the two week simulated retail period. Results varied depending on the species. In all species the 20% group had less watering events, which equates to producer savings in fertigation inputs as well as labor. All species had reduced canopy size in the 20% treatment, which could equate to bench space conservation. Some of the plant quality characteristics depending on the species had similar results after simulated retail. This equates to the idea that producers could reduce water application events and volumes and generate an equal quality plant compared to the traditional watering methods, while also saving on input and labor costs.
