CHANGES IN NUTRIENT CONTENT OF SPRING-PLA NTED 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. maximowiczii Baker) 'Haku gin' were investigated. 1. The N and P concentrations in the aerial pa rts were highest after sprouting in June and then, declined until harv est. In the old bulb, the concentrations also decreased at flower budd ing stage in July. However, N and P contents per plant basis changed l ittle between planting and flower budding period, and increased rapidl y thereafter. The N and P contents in the underground parts were great er than the aerial parts at harvest. 2. K concentration in the leaf an d bulbs changed slightly during the growing season; the seasonal chang e of It 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 incre ased with growth, especially after sprouting. The aerial parts had mor e Ca and Mg than the underground parts at harvest. 4. The total K upta ke 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.