ISHS Acta Horticulturae 755: International Conference on Quality Management in Supply Chains of Ornamentals
ORNAMENTAL QUALITY OF BIDENS FERULIFOLIA 'GOLDEN STAR' POT PLANTS DEPENDED OF COMPOSTED SEWAGE SLUDGE AS A COMPONENT OF GROWING MEDIA |
| Authors: | S. Vabrit, K. Uurman, P. Põldma , K. Jõepera |
| Keywords: | compost, ornamentals, plant growth, substrate |
| Abstract:
Composted sewage sludge was evaluated as a component of peat-based growing media for Bidens ferulifolia ‘Golden Star’, grown as summer pot plants. The effect of different proportions of compost in substrate mixtures on the vegetative growth and flowering of plants were investigated. Plants were grown in media containing 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 percent compost (by volume). Experiments were carried out in unheated glasshouses. To observe the ornamental quality of plants, plant height, plant diameter, and number and diameter of flowers were measured. Measurements were carried out at weekly intervals during the experimental period. To assess the nutrient levels of the growing media the WET Sensor was used. Experimental results indicate that optimal plant growth and more visually decorative plants generally occurred in media containing 30% and 40% compost. The amount of compost had less effect on the quantity of flowers and the time of flowering. Growing media nutrient level decreased during the growing period, particularly in the case of high (50%) compost content. | |
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