ISHS Acta Horticulturae 644: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
CHANGES IN PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PEAT-BASED SUBSTRATES DURING CULTIVATION PERIOD OF GERBERA |
| Authors: | J.S. Nowak, Z. Strojny |
| Keywords: | growing medium, water retention, porosity, bulk density, shrinkage |
| Abstract:
Gerbera was grown through 18 months in four growing media: white peat; white peat 90% + perlite 10% (v.v.); brown peat; and brown peat 60% + calcined clay 40% (v.v.). Total pore space (TPS) significantly decreased during cultivation period. The lower TPS was associated with decreased air volume (AV) or increase in water volume (WV). Shrinkage value (SV) and water content was generally increasing during the time of cultivation. After 18 months of cultivation brown peat and white peat + perlite retained more water at 10 cm pressure then the other media. | |
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