ISHS Acta Horticulturae 450: International Symposium Growing Media and Plant Nutrition in Horticulture
DECOMPOSITION OF PEAT SUBSTRATES IN RELATION TO PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND GROWTH OF CHAMAECYPARIS |
| Author: | Theo G.L. Aendekerk |
| Keywords: | peat, physical aspects, decomposition, plant growth |
| Abstract:
Under certain conditions, severe shrinking of the potting compost and poor plant growth can be a problem when raising nursery stock in containers. The problem seems to be aggravated if the containers are on new concrete floors and the irrigation water has a high pH. A study was conducted to ascertain which factors are responsible for the decomposition of carbon compounds in potting composts, and the relations between the C decomposition of organic matter in substrates, the physical parameters of substrates and the growth of the cultivated plants. The factors investigated were type of peat or degree of decomposition, pH, flow depth in ebb/flow systems and fertilizer level. The highest C decomposition rate was measured at high pH and weakly decomposed sphagnum peat. High decomposition of peat caused severe shrinking and decreased volume% of air in substrates. These effects increased at deep flow. Plants grown in medium decomposed German sphagnum moss peat showed the highest freshweight production. In general it can be stated that increased C decomposition rates of organic matter indicate decreased volume% of air in substrates and poorer plant growth. | |
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