scholarly journals Earthworm Castings as a Substrate Amendment for Chrysanthemum Production

HortScience ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 1035-1039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo R. Hidalgo ◽  
Richard L. Harkess
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Dendranthema Grandiflora ◽  
Substrate Amendment ◽  
Sheep Manure ◽  
Air Space ◽  
Water Holding

Earthworm castings (vermicompost) were evaluated as a substrate amendment for chrysanthemum [Dendranthema ×grandiflora (Ramat.) Kitam.] `Miramar' production. Vermicompost produced from sheep, cattle, and horse manures were mixed at different ratios with 70 peatmoss: 30 perlite (v/v) to create 12 substrates. The 70 peatmoss: 30 perlite mix at 100% and Sunshine® Mix 1 were used as control substrates. The bulk density, percentage of pore space, and water holding capacity increased as vermicompost content increased while the percentage of air space decreased. At 100% vermicompost, water holding capacity and bulk density were greatest in vermicompost from sheep manure. Plants grown in mixtures of 50% vermicompost from sheep had a greater growth index at harvest, foliar area, number of flowers per pot, and dry weight and fewer days for flower development than plants grown in other substrates. Vermicompost from sheep manure added at 50% by volume was most effective as a substrate amendment for chrysanthemum production.

scholarly journals Earthworm Castings as a Substrate for Poinsettia Production

HortScience ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 304-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo R. Hidalgo ◽  
Richard L. Harkess
Keyword(s):  
Root Development ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Plant Responses ◽  
Euphorbia Pulcherrima ◽  
Horse Manure ◽  
Air Space ◽  
Water Holding

Experiments were conducted to evaluate earthworm castings (vermicompost) as a substrate for poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.) `Freedom Red' production. Vermicomposts produced from sheep, cattle, or horse manures were mixed at different ratios with 70 peatmoss: 30 perlite (v/v) to create 13 substrates. Chemical and physical properties were measured on all substrates used. Growth index, foliar and bract area, and dry weight were greater on plants grown in substrates with castings from sheep or cattle manure. These castings had greater initial nutrient content than the castings from horse manure. Mixtures of castings and peat produced better plant responses than castings alone. Better plant responses were sometimes associated with values outside the recommended pH and electrical conductivity levels for poinsettia production. The highest values obtained for growth index, foliar and bract area, dry weight, and root development were produced in the substrates with moderate pore space or water holding capacity. Substrates with greater air space produced plants with greater dry weight and root development than substrates with less air space. The highest quality plants were grown in substrates with 25% castings from sheep or cattle manures.

scholarly journals Growth of Two Subtropical Ornamentals Using Coir (Coconut Mesocarp Pith) as a Peat Substitute

HortScience ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 1484-1486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan W. Meerow
Keyword(s):  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
Coir Dust ◽  
Top Dry Weight ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Ixora Coccinea ◽  
Coconut Mesocarp ◽  
Over Time

Growth of Pentas lanecolata (Forssk.) Deflers `Starburst Pink' and Ixora coccinea L. `Maui' was compared in container media using sphagnum peat, sedge peat, or coir dust as their peat components. Growth index and top and root dry weights of both crops were significantly better in coir-based medium than sedge peat-based medium. Pentas grew equally well in coir- and sphagnum peat-based medium. Growth index and top dry weight of Ixora were significantly lower in the coir-based than the sphagnum peat-based medium, although root dry weights were equal. This difference was not apparent and may have been caused by N drawdown in the coir-based mix. The sedge peat-based medium had the highest air porosity and the lowest water-holding capacity of the three media at the initiation of the trials, but at the termination of the study, it showed a reversal of these characteristics. The coir-based medium showed the least change in these attributes over time. Coir dust seems to be an acceptable substitute for sphagnum or sedge peat in soilless container media, although nutritional regimes may need to be adjusted on a crop-by-crop basis.

scholarly journals GROWTH OF BEDDING PLANTS IN MINERAL WOOL AND MINERAL WOOL/PEAT MIXES

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 686b-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Contrisciano ◽  
E. Jay Holcomb
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Optimal Level ◽  
Mineral Wool ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
High Ph ◽  
Bedding Plants ◽  
Water Holding

The objective of this research was to develop a mineral wool based growing medium for the horticultural industry. Two types of hydrophilic mineral wool, clean wool (CW) and unclean wool (UC) were used unamended, as well as both types in combinations with 25, 50, and 75 percent peat moss (PM). A control of 100 percent (PM) was also used. Unamended CW had a low bulk density, excellent water holding capacity, good aeration, but high pH. Once PM was added to CW, bulk density still remained low, water holding capacity and aeration remained good, and the pH dropped to a more suitable level. Unamended UW had a high bulk density, good water holding capacity, poor aeration, and high pH. Once PM was added to UW, bulk density decreased, water holding capacity remained good, aeration increased, and pH decreased to a more optimal level. Impatiens `Violet' and Begonia `Whiskey' were grown in the nine treatments for six and nine weeks respectively. At harvest, plant growth was evaluated by height, diameter, fresh weight, dry weight, and tissue analysis. Plant growth response showed plants grown in unamended CW, UW, and PM were smaller in size and lighter in fresh and dry weights than those in 50 percent wool/50 percent PM. The plants grown in 25 and 75 percent PM were similar to the 50 percent wool/50 percent PM in size and weight.

scholarly journals 610 Evaluation of Sawmill Residue as a Component of Nursery Potting Mix

HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 552D-552
Author(s):  
Wayne J. McLaurin
Keyword(s):  
Pore Space ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Rock Surface ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Growing Period ◽  
Growth Difference ◽  
Soil Mix ◽  
Measurable Growth ◽  
Water Holding

The standard mix used by most nurseries consist of a 9 pine bark: 1 sand. With the ever-increasing cost of bark, nurseries are looking for an alternative. Sawmill residue may hold potential utility as part of a potting mix. Although sawmill residue is highly variable, it can serve as soil bulk as well as an organic medium. The purpose of this study was to determine if old sawmill residue not treated by pathogen-free requirement procedures could be used “as is” as part of a nursery soil mix. For this study, a sample, a typical conglomerate of undetermined wood chips, bark, and soil particles, was obtained from an “old pile” (just how old is not known) of sawmill residue. To determine how this sample would function in a nursery bark/sand mix, tests were run on its physical properties of pore space and water-holding capacity. The sawmill residue had the following characteristics: a mean 44.2% porosity capacity, 23.4% air space, and 20.8% water holding capacity. A standard fertilizer and lime amendment package was added to the sawmill residue in the same rates as a regular nursery mix. The sawmill residue and the standard nursery mix were then blended according to the treatment percentages. The treatments were sawmill residue/standard nursery mix 0/100, 10/90, 30/70, 60/40, and 100/0. The Ilex crenata `Compacta' liners were planted into standard 1-gallon nursery pots filling to just below the rim. The pots were randomly placed on a well-drained rock surface in full sun. No additional fertilizer was used and watering was done as needed. Plants were grown for 1 year. Visual assessments were made throughout the growing period and at harvest. There was no visible difference in any of the treatments as far as overall growth was discerned. The plants were of uniform height and width showing consistent, even growth and good leaf color. Root system growth and development were evaluated visually and over all treatments were uniformly good. No root problems were noted. There was not any plant loss in any treatment over the entire study. Each plant was cut at the soil line and dried for 24 hours at 1150 °C. Dry weights were taken after the plant material had cooled for 4 hours. Results were based on four plants per treatment times four replications for a total of 16 plants per treatment. There was not any measurable growth difference in dry weight among treatments 1, 2, 3, and 4 [sawmill residue/standard nursery mix 0/100 (41.03 g dry weight), 10/90 (39.83 g dry weight), 30/70 (38.98 g dry weight), 60/40 (37.42 g dry weight)]. However, treatment 5 [100/0 (31.03 g dry weight)] was significantly lower when compared to the remaining four treatments. The lower dry weight may be attributed to the 100% sawmill residue being too heavy and not well-drained enough. However, the roots did not show any damage from being too wet. Further work is being done with the sawmill residue.

scholarly journals Growth of Two Tropical Foliage Plants Using Coir Dust as a Container Medium Amendment

1995 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan W. Meerow
Keyword(s):  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Organic Component ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
Foliage Plants ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Coir Dust ◽  
Water Holding

Growth of Ravenea rivularis Jumelle and Perrier (majesty palm) and `Lady Jane' Anthurium Schott was compared in container media, using as a primary organic component sphagnum peat, sedge peat, or coir dust. Growth index and shoot and root dry weights of majesty palm were significantly higher in the coir than the sedge peat medium. Growth index and shoot dry weight were only marginally higher for the anthurium in the coir vs. sedge peat medium, and root dry weights were comparable. Both crops grew equally well in the coir and the sphagnum peat medium. The sedge peat medium had the most air porosity and the least water-holding capacity of the three media at the initiation of the trials, but at termination showed a reversal of these parameters. The coir medium showed the least change in these parameters over 8 months. High-quality coir dust appears to be an acceptable substitute for sphagnum or sedge peat in soilless container media.

scholarly journals Physical Properties of Processed Poultry Feather Fiber-containing Greenhouse Root Substrates

2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Evans ◽  
Leisha Vance
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Pine Bark ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Poultry Feather ◽  
Feather Fiber ◽  
Water Holding

A series of soilless root substrates was formulated to contain either 20% composted pine bark or perlite and 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% feather fiber, with the remainder being sphagnum peat. The substrates containing bark or perlite with 0% feather fiber served as the controls for the bark- and perlite-containing substrates respectively. For root substrates containing perlite, the inclusion of feather fiber increased the total pore space compared with the control substrate. For substrates containing bark, the inclusion of 10% or 20% feather fiber increased total pore space, but the inclusion of 30% feather fiber reduced total pore space. For substrates containing perlite, the inclusion of feather fiber increased the air-filled pore space compared with the control, and as the percentage feather fiber increased, air-filled pore space increased. For substrates containing bark, the inclusion of 10% or 20% feather fiber increased air-filled pore space, but air-filled pore space of the substrate containing 30% feather fiber was not different from the control. For all substrates, the inclusion of feather fiber reduced the water-holding capacity, but water-holding capacities for all substrates remained within recommended ranges. The bulk density of feather fiber-containing substrates was not different from the control except for the substrate containing 30% feather fiber with bark, which had a higher bulk density than its control without feather fiber. The difference in physical properties of the 30% feather fiber substrate with bark from its control substrate was attributed to the aggregation of the feather fiber when formulated with composted bark. Aggregation of feather fiber when blended into substrates at levels of 30% or higher would create difficulties in achieving uniform substrates.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Cork Granulates as a Top Coat Substrate Component for Seed Germination as Compared to Vermiculite

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arianna Bozzolo ◽  
Michael R. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Solanum Lycopersicum ◽  
Capsicum Annuum ◽  
Catharanthus Roseus ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Impatiens Walleriana ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Number Of Seeds

A top coat is a lightweight substrate component used in seed germination. The seeds are typically placed on a substrate such as peat and then the seeds are covered with a layer of the top coating substrate. The top coat serves to maintain adequate moisture around the seeds and to exclude light. Vermiculite and cork granulates (1 mm) were used as top coat substrates for seed germination to determine if cork granulates could be successfully used as an alternative to vermiculite. The cork granulates had a bulk density of 0.16 g·cm−3, which was higher than that of vermiculite that had a bulk density of 0.12 g·cm−3. Cork granulates had an air-filled pore space of 22.7% (v/v), which was higher than vermiculite which was 13.2%. The water-holding capacity of vermiculite was 63.4% (v/v), which was higher than that of cork granulates that was 35.1%. Seeds of ‘Rutgers Select’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), ‘Dazzler Lilac Splash’ impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), ‘Orbital Cardinal Red’ geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum), ‘Better Belle’ pepper (Capsicum annuum), and ‘Cooler Grape’ vinca (Catharanthus roseus) were placed on top of peat and covered with a 4-mm top coating of either vermiculite or cork granulates. For tomato, impatiens, and vinca, days to germination were similar between seeds germinated using vermiculite and granulated cork as a top coat. Days to germination of geranium and pepper were significantly different with geranium and pepper seeds coated with cork granulates germinating 0.7 and 1.5 days earlier than those coated with vermiculite. For tomato, impatiens, and geranium, the number of seeds germinating per plug tray was similar between the top coats. Number of seeds germinating per tray for pepper and vinca were significantly different. Pepper had an average of 2.8 more seeds germinating per tray, and vinca had an average of 2.4 more seeds germinating per tray if seeds were germinated using granulated cork vs. vermiculite. For all species, dry shoot and dry root weights were similar for seedlings germinated using cork and vermiculite top coats.

scholarly journals Physical Properties of Whole Fresh-ground Parboiled Rice Hulls for Use as a Horticultural Root Substrate

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 979B-979
Author(s):  
Johann S. Buck ◽  
Michael R. Evans ◽  
Paolo Sambo
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Rice Hull ◽  
Particle Sizes ◽  
Parboiled Rice ◽  
Rice Hulls ◽  
Water Holding

Horticultural root substrates are designed to provide the optimal physical properties for plant growth. These properties include bulk density (g·cm-3), air-filled pore space (% v/v), total pore space (% v/v), water-filled pore space (% v/v), water-holding capacity (% v/v and w/w), and wettability. Whole, fresh parboiled rice hulls were ground to produce four grades with varying particle size distributions. Particle sizes for the four grades ranged from <0.25 to >2.80 mm. Additionally, discrete particle sizes of <0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 2.80, and >2.80 mm were produced. For all grade distributions and particle point sizes, physical properties were determined and contrasted against Canadian sphagnum peat. As the proportion of smaller particle sizes in the distributions increased or as the particle point sizes decreased, total pore space (% v/v) and air-filled pore space (% v/v) decreased, while, bulk density (g·cm-3) and water-holding capacity (% v/v and w/w) increased. Additionally, as the proportion of particle sizes from <0.25–0.50 mm increased, the wettabilty of the whole fresh parboiled rice hull material decreased. Particle sizes ranging from 1.00–2.80 mm possessed the physical properties most suitable for plant growth in containerized greenhouse crop production and were most similar to peat.

Land Use Change Effects on Soil Quality in Prince Edward County, ON

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey Watts
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Land Use Change ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Prince Edward County ◽  
Effects Of Land Use ◽  
Water Holding

Soils play a critical role to society as a medium that facilitates crop production and also contributes to the energy and carbon balance of the Earth System. Land-use change and improper land-use is one of the dominant factors affecting soil erosion and nutrient loss in soils. We examined the effects of land-use change on an Elmbrook clay/clay-loam soil on a farm in Ameliasburg on the northern part of Prince Edward County. Three cover types were examined: a sod field (established for over 10 years), a wheat field (part of a wheat/corn/soybean rotation for 30 years) and an undisturbed deciduous forest. Under each land-use type, cores to a depth of 40 cm were collected along three random 30 m transects (at 8, 16 and 24 m), then divided them into 10 cm increments, combining all similar depth increments along one transect. Soil quality was assessed by analyzing various soil physical and chemical properties. Bulk density of the soil was much higher (1.55 vs. 0.95 g/cm3) in both agricultural ecosystems compared to the forest, but only in the 0-10 cm layer. Soil moisture at 60% water holding capacity was much greater for the forest than the sod and wheat soils. Soil pH was slightly lower in the forest compared to the sod and wheat fields. The sod and wheat fields showed losses of ~52% and ~53% organic matter, respectively, in contrast to the forested area. The greatest differences in organic matter and total carbon were found in the top 10 cm, likely due to the greater accumulation of litter at the ground surface in the forest compared to the agricultural sites. It appears that long-term (10 year) agricultural production has led to a decline in some, but not all, soil quality measures, particularly soil organic matter, bulk density and water holding capacity. These findings are consistent with much of the literature concerning the effects of land-use change on soil quality, and highlight the need to develop improved management systems to minimize losses in soil quality that can lead to declines in the productivity potential of soils over time.

scholarly journals Comparative Evaluation of Functional Properties of Some Commonly Used Cereal and Legume Flours and Their Blends

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Haq Nawaz ◽  
Muhammad Aslam Shad ◽  
Rabia Mehmood ◽  
Tanzila Rehman ◽  
Hira Munir
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Functional Properties ◽  
Protein Solubility ◽  
High Water ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Functional Score ◽  
Chickpea Flour ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Swelling Capacity ◽  
Water Holding

<p>Functional properties such as protein solubility, swelling capacity, water holding capacity, gelling ability, bulk density and foaming capacity of flours of some commonly used cereals and legume (wheat, refined wheat, maize and chickpea) and their blends were studied. Blends of flours were prepared by mixing equal proportions of selected floors. Statistically significant difference  in studied functional properties except bulk density was observed among cereal flours and their blends. Chickpea flour was found to possess comparatively high water holding capacity, protein solubility index and swelling capacity. The functional properties of maize and wheat flours were found to be improved when blended with chickpea. Chickpea flour and its blends with cereal flours were found to possess good functional score and suggested as favorable candidates for use in the preparation of viscous foods and bakery products. The data provide guidelines regarding the improvement in functional properties of economically favorable cereal flours.<strong></strong></p>

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