ISHS Acta Horticulturae 819: International Symposium on Growing Media 2007
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES AND BACKGROUND RESEARCH ON THE USE OF COMPOSTED MATERIALS IN GROWING MEDIA FOR THE UK MARKET |
| Authors: | M. Prasad, W.R. Carlile |
| Keywords: | composting, bark, green compost, sawdust, brewery grains, stability |
| Abstract:
Demands to reduce the use of peat as a growing media component have steadily increased, particularly in the UK, since 1990. The principal alternative organic materials used as substitutes or diluents include coir, bark and green compost (botanical residues; green waste). The latter two materials are commonly composted prior to use in growing media. Increased adoption of these materials has led to advances in the technology of composting processes, and new approaches to both manufacture and utilisation of media containing composted materials. This review considers the production and use of constituents of growing media derived from composted materials. Procedures and issues arising from the production of these materials on a large scale are described. Sourcing of materials is considered, as well as the manipulation of composting parameters in order to produce end-products of sufficient consistency and quality for incorporation into growing media. Production of composted bark for use in peat-reduced and peat-free media is described. Issues including stability assessment and nitrogen immobilisation are considered, along with solutions to these. Programmes of research and development associated with the development of green compost, in admixture with various materials indigenous to the Republic of Ireland, as peat diluents are outlined. | |
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