ISHS Acta Horticulturae 819: International Symposium on Growing Media 2007
INITIAL EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF SUBSTRATES IN GREENHOUSE VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN AUSTRALIA |
| Authors: | S.E. Parks, R.J. Worrall, C.T. Low, J.A. Jarvis |
| Keywords: | Autopot®, coir, hydroponics |
| Abstract:
A small and predominately low-technology greenhouse vegetable industry has developed in Australia. In these production systems, readily available, inexpensive substrates such as composted pine bark and coir are used for tomato and cucumber production. To minimise costs growers may switch to cheaper substrate types, or in some cases reuse substrates for up to five years. A poor understanding of substrates leads to production difficulties and the inefficient use of water and nutrients. Two trials were conducted, using coir and pine bark based substrates, to investigate water use in cucumber and tomato production, and to evaluate some basic tools such as self-watering pots and run-off collectors to assist in irrigation management. Although the substrates differed in their physical characteristics, the amount of water used in production was not affected. The self-watering pot was a reliable indicator of plant water use and could be used as a tool to assist in irrigation management. | |
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