ISHS Acta Horticulturae 434: Strategies for Market Oriented Greenhouse Production
SAWDUST AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PEAT MOSS MEDIA FOR CUCUMBER SEEDLINGS PRODUCTION IN GREENHOUSES |
| Authors: | O. M.M. Sawan, A.M. Eissa |
| Abstract:
Peat moss, vermiculite, composted sawdust and compost in different combinations were used as media for the germination and seedling production of cucumber. Sawdust proved to be a possible alternative of peat moss. Sawdust was composted for periods of one to four months. Sawdust composted for one or two months proved similar or superior to other mixes. From the results obtained, germinating cucumber in sawdust gave a germination percent similar to peat (control), and in some mixes gave the highest germination percent. Also, the germination in some mixes treatments appeared 24 hrs earlier than the control. The length, fresh and dry weight as well as leaf area of the seedlings were similar or higher than in peat. Dry matter, nutrient contents (N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) and heavy metals content (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Co) were determined in cucumber seedlings. | |
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