ISHS Acta Horticulturae 99: Symposium on Substrates in Horticulture other than Soils In Situ
EVALUATION OF WOODWASTES AS A SUBSTRATE FOR ORNAMENTAL CROPS WATERED BY CAPILLARY AND DRIP IRRIGATION |
| Author: | M. Prasad |
| Abstract:
Imported Irish and/or New Zealand Hauraki peat were compared to two grades of uncomposted Pinus radiata bark, and a sawdust + sand mixture using 4 test crops, ferns, rubber plant, Kalanchoe and Aralia. Two irrigation treatments, drip and capillary mat, were used in three of the four experiments. Yields from fine bark (90% particles smaller than 2 mm) were not significantly different from those in peats in any of the 4 crops with either watering treatment. Waipa bark (60–70% particles smaller than 2 mm) gave equivalent yields to fine bark except with Rubber plant, Kalanchoe and Aralia with capillary watering. Sawdust + sand gave yields that were significantly lower than from peats and fine bark. In general plants growing in bark materials and in sawdust + sand had lower N and P, and occasionally lower Mg and Fe but higher K and Mn than those growing in peats. The soil analysis generally reflected this trend. Composts under mat irrigation had higher levels of conductivity and extractable nutrients compared to drip irrigation. These results showed that it is possible to grow equally good quality ornamental plants in both uncomposted bark and peat. | |
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