METHODS OF CORRECTION OF VEGETABLE WASTE COMPOST USED AS SUBSTRATE BY SOILLESS CULTURE

      One of the main environmental impacts of plastic covered horticulture is the generation of organic plant waste. The suitability of compost from horticultural greenhouse crop waste as a growing media in vegetable crop production is examined and compared to other substrate alternatives like coconut coir waste. One experiment was conducted to compare this compost with coconut coir waste in terms of the yield and fruit quality of tomato crops (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv Daniela). The results suggest that compost seems to be an acceptable growing media as a substitute for rockwool and similar to coconut coir waste in soilless vegetable cultivation. The results suggest that a correct management procedure, previous acid rinsing and saturation with the standard nutrient solution are recommendable in order to reduce compost salinity and inadequate pH and thus reduce the pH and EC in the rhizosphere environment. Once the physico-chemical properties are adjusted for soilless culture, yield trials show compost is suitable as a soilless media and as a viable and ecologically-friendly alternative, like coconut coir waste, and also maintains or increases physical and physicochemical properties.

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files)