ISHS Acta Horticulturae 450: International Symposium Growing Media and Plant Nutrition in Horticulture
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF COIR WASTE AND THEIR RELATION TO PLANT GROWTH |
| Authors: | P. Noguera, M. Abad, R. Puchades, V. Noguera, A. Maquieira, J. Martinez |
| Keywords: | Calendula officinalis, Cocos nucifera, Coleus blumei, growing media, nursery crops, waste reclamation |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1997.450.45 |
| Abstract:
Selected physical and chemical properties of two coconut fiber wastes (dust plus short fibers) from Mexico (ME) and Sri Lanka (SL) were evaluated as growing media components for pot plants. Both coir wastes were evaluated as lightweight materials and showed a particularly high total porosity. Coirs exhibited a very high air content together with a fairly low total and easily available water-holding capacity. pH was slightly acidic and salinity readings varied between moderate (SL) and high (ME). Cation exchange capacity ranged from 73 m.e. 100 g-1 (ME) to 117 m.e. 100 g-1 (SL) and C/N ratios averaged 105. The amount of naturally-occurring available nutrients was low, specially mineral nitrogen, calcium and magnesium. On the other hand, indigenous potassium contents in coirs were extremely high. Taking these results into account, properties were manipulated in order to prepare suitable coir-based media for potted plants. Coirs were thoroughly leached, blended with light Sphagnum peat (50% by volume) and limed with dolomite. Additional nutrients were added as a pre-planting controlled-release fertilizer. Manipulation of coirs resulted in a more balanced air-water relationship together with an acceptable salinity and optimum available-nutrient levels. In growth trials, extra nitrogen at 10 mg N l-1 of substrate was provided weekly by means of fertigation. Experiments conducted in pots with Calendula officinalis and Coleus blumei showed that these species grew either the same or better in the improved coir-based media than in the control mix composed of ¾ (vol.) Sphagnum peat and ¼ (vol.) vermiculite. | |
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