Changes in nutrient content of spring-planted edible lily (Lilium leichtlinii Hook f. var. maximowiczii Baker)

Seasonal changes of N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents in the spring planted edible lily (Lilium leichtlinii Hook f. var. maximowuczii Baker) 'Hakugin' were investigated. 1. The N and P concentrations in the aerial parts were highest after sprouting in June and then, declined until harvest. In the old bulb, the concentrations also decreased at flower budding stage in July. However, N and P contents per plant basis changed little between planting and flower budding period, and increased rapidly thereafter. The N and P contents in the underground parts were greater than the aerial parts at harvest. 2. K concentration in the leaf and bulbs changed slightly during the growing season ; the seasonal change of K content per plant basis had the same pattern as those of N and P. At harvest, K content was highest among elements analyzed. 3. Leaf Ca and stem Mg concentrations on dry weight and per plant basis increased with growth, especially after sprouting. The aerial parts had more Ca and Mg than the underground parts at harvest. 4. The total K uptake per plant was 1,011 mg, whereas that of N and Ca amounted to about 500 mg: P and Mg content averaged under 150 mg per plant.