scholarly journals Water holding capacity of substrates containing zeolite and its effect on growth, biomass production and chlorophyll content of Solanum lycopersicum Mill

Nova Scientia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 45-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bulmaro Méndez Argüello ◽  
Ileana Vera Reyes ◽  
Antonio Cárdenas Flores ◽  
Gladys De los Santos Villarreal ◽  
Luis Ibarra Jiménez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solanum Lycopersicum ◽  
Particle Density ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Volcanic Origin ◽  
Tomato Seedlings ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Water Holding

Zeolite-clinoptilolite is a hydrated aluminosilicate, which belongs to a group of minerals of volcanic origin and possesses interesting agricultural properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of zeolite-clinoptilolite on Solanum lycopersicum Mill. seedling growth, when supplied to substrate in pot culture. An assay was set to test and compare the physical properties of three substrates: peat moss (pm), perlite (per) and zeolite (zeo), and their mixtures (pm:per:zeo) at different proportions: T1 or control = 100:0:0; T2 = 70:30:0; T3 = 70:20:10; T4 = 70:10:20 and T5 = 70:0:30 (v/v). Compared to control plants, substrates containing 30% zeolite increased their water holding capacity (260%), total porosity (8.47%), bulk density (212%) and particle density (230%). Related to control plants grown with 100% peat moss, tomato seedlings cultured in a substrate mixture with 30% zeolite significantly improved shoot length (24.2%), leaf area (64.5%), root length (63.2%), shoot dry weight (62.5%), root dry biomass (208.9%), stem diameter (28.5%) and leaves number (92%), however, the chlorophyll index had no significant effects. The overall outcomes indicated that substrates amendment with zeolite could effectively improve tomato plants growth.

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 Growth of tomato seedlings in substrates containing a nanocomposite hydrogel with calcium montmorillonite (NC-MMt)

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-203
Author(s):  
Raphael AC Melo ◽  
Marçal HA Jorge ◽  
Adriel Bortolin ◽  
Leonardo S Boiteux ◽  
Caue R Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Height ◽  
Weight Ratio ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Pine Bark ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Nanocomposite Hydrogel ◽  
Tomato Seedlings ◽  
Root Dry Weight ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight

ABSTRACT The correct use of hydrogels in some situations can increase seedling survival rates, plant growth, and the water-retention capacity of the growing medium. A technique for the production of a nanocomposite hydrogel using calcium montmorillonite (NC-MMt) was recently developed. However, additional research is necessary in order to validate this innovative input, particularly for the production of vegetable crops seedlings. In this context, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate the growth and development of seedlings, tomato hybrid ‘BRS Nagai’, in substrates containing different amendments of hydrogel NC-MMt. The trial was conducted in a 3x3 factorial arranged in a complete randomized blocks design, with three replications. Three substrates (peat moss, pine bark, and coconut peat) corresponded to the first factor and three rates of the NC-MMt hydrogel (0%= R1, 1.5%= R2 and 2.0%= R3, on a w/w basis) corresponded to the second factor. Each plot was composed of 16 plants that were assessed after three weeks. Overall, peat moss-based and pine bark-based substrates resulted in higher values for most of the analyzed traits: plant emergency percentage, plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, plant height/shoot dry weight ratio, root dry weight, shoot dry weight/root dry weight ratio and the Dickinson Quality Index. Rates of NC-MMt hydrogel displayed significant responses only to root superficial area and root volume. NC-MMt hydrogel amendment (mainly 1.5%) combined with specific substrates (mainly peat moss-based substrate) was able to improve the growth of ‘BRS Nagai’ tomato seedlings, with no observed toxic effects.

scholarly journals Clean Chip Residual as a Substrate for Perennial Nursery Crop Production

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 239-246
Author(s):  
Cheryl R. Boyer ◽  
Glenn B. Fain ◽  
Charles H. Gilliam ◽  
Thomas V. Gallagher ◽  
H. Allen Torbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Wood Fiber ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Particle Sizes ◽  
Perennial Species ◽  
Growth Indices ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Air Space ◽  
Water Holding

Abstract Pine bark (PB) for horticultural uses is becoming less available and as a result, there is a need to develop alternative substrates for continued profitability of the nursery industry. This study, conducted at Poplarville, MS, and Auburn, AL, evaluated the growth of nine perennial species in a substrate composed of a pulpwood harvesting by-product called clean chip residual (CCR) which contains approximately 50% wood fiber. Two CCR particle sizes were used alone or amended with peat moss (PM) (4:1 by vol) and compared with control treatments PB and PB:PM. Substrates composed of 100% PB or 100% CCR had high air space (AS) and low water holding capacity (WHC) which resulted in less available water to plants. Addition of PM lowered AS and increased WHC. There were no significant differences among growth indices at Poplarville for 6 of 8 species and for 3 of 7 species at Auburn, though the remaining 4 species were only slightly smaller when grown in 100% CCR. Shoot dry weight was greatest in substrates amended with PM. Results of this study indicate that acceptable growth of perennial plants can be obtained in substrates composed of CCR when compared to PB and PB amended with PM.

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 Peat-based Substrates Amended with a Mature Dairy Cow Manure Compost Before and After Plant Cultivation

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-62
Author(s):  
Ka Yeon Jeong ◽  
Paul V. Nelson ◽  
Carl E. Niedziela ◽  
William F. Brinton ◽  
William C. Fonteno
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Dairy Manure ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Manure Compost ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Dairy Cow Manure ◽  
The Impact

Initial and final physical properties of four substrates based on a sphagnum peat moss:perlite (3:1 v/v) substrate where mature dairy manure compost (DMC) was partially substituted for peat moss at 0, 16, 26, or 33% DMC of total substrate volume (equivalent to DMC to peat moss ratios of 0, 1, 2, or 3 on a dry weight basis, respectively) were evaluated during a 12-week crop of ‘Macumba’ pot chrysanthemum [Dendranthema × grandiflora (Ramat.) Kitam]. The impact of time on physical properties was similar in all substrates, indicating that DMC was as stable as peat moss. Addition of DMC to substrates increased bulk density (Db) and lowered total porosity (TP) and air space (AS). Compared to peat moss plus perlite without DMC, container capacity (CC) increased with 16 and 26% DMC and was similar at 33% DMC. Addition of DMC at 33% resulted in a decrease in available water (AW). Plant shoot dry weight was higher in all substrates containing DMC, with the maximum at 26% DMC, compared to peat moss plus perlite without DMC.

scholarly journals Effect of Cassava Whey on the Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals Distribution in Soil

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 1196
Author(s):  
Segun Michael Abegunde ◽  
Simeon Ajibade Akinyele ◽  
Isaac Olatunde Awonyemi
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Physicochemical Parameters ◽  
Particle Density ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Loss On Ignition ◽  
Metal Contents ◽  
Water Holding

The processes involved in the conversion of cassava tuber into various products generate large volumes of wastes in solid, liquid and gaseous forms. These wastes when discharged into the environment have serious environmental impacts on the natural composition and structure of soil. The aim of this research work was to investigate the effects of cassava whey on the physicochemical properties and metal contents of soil samples around Gari facrory at Erinfun Village along Federal Polytechnic road, Ado-Ekiti. The physicochemical parameters determined were the pH, moisture content, loss on ignition, organic matter, water holding capacity, bulk density, particle density, total porosity, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and cyanide (CN). Heavy metals determined were lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and iron (Fe). The presence of cassava whey in the soil led to increasing soil acidity, moisture content, water holding capacity, CN, Cr, Ni, Pb and As concentrations while reductions were observed in total porosity, organic matter, loss on ignition, particle density, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations. The results show appreciable variations of physicochemical parameters and heavy metal contents when compared to the control sample.

scholarly journals Biomechanics of Atlas Cedar Roots in response to the Medium Hydromechanical Characteristics

Scientifica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Belkacem EL Amrani ◽  
Mohammed Bendriss Amraoui
Keyword(s):  
Root Architecture ◽  
Aerial Part ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Main Root ◽  
Short Root ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Stimulation Of

The biomechanical root flexibility in response to hydromechanical soil heterogeneity is the most determining factor of the root architecture which plays a paramount role in mycorrhizal infection and allows the seedlings to adapt to the environmental constraint. We examined the impact of five different hydromechanical medium properties (hydroponics, vermiculite, vermiculite-gravel, sawdust, and sand) on the morphology, physiology, and anatomy of Cedrus atlantica seedlings at a controlled growth chamber. The growth of the seedling is strongly stimulated by the hydroponic medium through the stimulation of the aerial part dry weight and the main root length. However, the sand medium increases the main root dry weight by the radial expanse stimulation at the level of the epidermis, vascular cylinder, and cortex and compensates the less root architecture by the stimulation of the xylem and phloem areas. In contrast to sand and hydroponic media, the sawdust medium stimulates the phloem/xylem ratio, the root architecture, and the short roots. The Pearson bilateral correlation shows that the aerial part dry weight is positively correlated with the permeability, porosity, and water-holding capacity and negatively with the bulk density and density at saturation, whereas the short root production is negatively correlated with the permeability and water-holding capacity. Hence, the hydromechanical characteristics of the soils must be taken into account in the reforestation and mycorrhization attempts.

scholarly journals The effects of ispaghula on rat caecal fermentation and stool output

1992 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 473-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine A. Edwards ◽  
Jacqueline Bowen ◽  
W. Gordon Brydon ◽  
Martin A. Eastwood
Keyword(s):  
Basal Diet ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Diet Group ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Diaminopimelic Acid ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
Caecal Fermentation ◽  
Water Holding

The colonic fermentation of ispaghula, a mucilage fromPlantago ovatacomposed mainly of arabinoxylans, and its effects on stool output and caecal metabolism were investigated. Four groups of eight rats were fed on a basal diet (45 g non-starch polysaccharides/kg) for 28 d. The diet was then supplemented with ispaghula (g/kg; 0, 5, 15 or 50) for 28 d. Ispaghula increased stool dry weight and apparent wet weight but faecal water-holding capacity (amount of water held per g dry faecal material at 0.2 mPa) was unchanged. The extent of faecal drying in the metabolism cages was measured for rats fed on the basal diet and 50 g ispaghula/kg diet. At the faecal output levels encountered, only an 8% loss of wet weight would be predicted over 24 h and this was independent of diet. Faecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration did not change but SCFA output increased. The molar proportion of SCFA as propionic acid increased and faecal pH was reduced. Values from pooled faecal samples suggested that approximately 50% of the ingested ispaghula was excreted by the 50 g ispaghula/kg diet group. Diaminopimelic acid (a constituent of bacterial cells) concentrations fell but output was unchanged indicating no change in bacterial mass. Similar changes were seen in the caecal contents but caecal pH and SCFA were unaffected. Ispaghula increased both caecal and colonic tissue wet weight and colonic length. Our results suggest that ispaghula is partly fermented in the rat caecum and colon, and loses its water-holding capacity. However, it is still an effective stool bulker and acts mainly by increasing faecal water by some unknown mechanism

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 Evaluation of Compost as an Amendment to Commercial Mixes used for Container-grown Golden Shrimp Plant Production

2001 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.B. Wilson ◽  
P.J. Stoffella ◽  
D.A. Graetz
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Particle Density ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Root Dry Weight ◽  
Nitrogen Mobilization ◽  
Container Capacity

Growth of golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea Nees.) transplants was evaluated in media containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% compost derived from biosolids and yard trimmings. A commercial coir- or peat-based media was amended with compost. As compost composition in the peat or coir-based media increased from 0% to 100%, carbon/nitrogen ratios decreased; and media stability, nitrogen mobilization, pH, and electrical conductivity increased. Bulk density, particle density, air-filled porosity, container capacity, and total porosity increased as more compost was added to either peat- or coir-based media. Plants grown in media with high volumes of compost (75% or 100%) had less leaf area and lower shoot and root dry weight compared to the controls (no compost). Regardless of percentage of compost composition in either peat or coir-based media, all plants were considered marketable after 8 weeks.

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