scholarly journals Growth Response of Photinia and Thuja and Nutrient Concentration in Tissues and Potting Medium as Influenced by Composted Sewage Sludge, Peat, Bark and Sawdust in Potting Media

1985 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 176-180
Author(s):  
R.L. Ticknor ◽  
D.D. Hemphill ◽  
D.J. Flower
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Commercial Media ◽  
Potting Medium ◽  
Initial Ph ◽  
Potting Media ◽  
Photinia X Fraseri ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Composted Sewage Sludge

Composted sewage sludge was blended with pumice and either bark, peat moss, or sawdust to form 6 potting media. Increasing the proportion of compost in media from 25 to 50% caused increased initial pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and airfilled pore space (AS) in all media, and increased growth of Photinia x fraseri Dress. and Thuja occidentalis L. ‘Pyramidalis.’ Sawdust-containing media had the highest pH, EC, and AS; sphagnum peat-containing media the highest water holding capacity and greatest shrinkage; bark-based media the highest bulk density. Plant growth in compost-based media containing peat or bark was equal to or better than that in two commercial media composed primarily of bark or peat.

scholarly journals Growth Response of Annual Transplants and Physical and Chemical Properties of Growing Media as Influenced by Composted Sewage Sludge Amended with Organic and Inorganic Materials

1984 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 112-116
Author(s):  
Delbert D. Hemphill ◽  
Robert L. Ticknor ◽  
D.J. Flower
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Inorganic Materials ◽  
Growing Media ◽  
High Yields ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Inorganic Components ◽  
Composted Sewage Sludge

Composted sewage sludge was combined with several other organic and inorganic components to form 19 growing media. Increasing the proportion of sludge compost in media from 25 to 50% increased media pH, electrical conductivity (EC), airfilled pore space (AS), and nutrient levels, and usually increased growth of pansy, snapdragon, and cabbage plants. Of the other organic components, sawdust-based media had the highest pH, EC, and AS; sphagnum peat-based media the highest water holding capacity. Plant fresh weights were highest with bark, which produced media with highest retention of K, Ca, Mg, and Na. Of the inorganic components, pumice produced media with lower AS and lower yields of each crop than did perlite or vermiculite. Inorganic components had no effect on media pH or EC. Yields of all crops were usually higher in media containing compost than in 5 commercial potting mixes but less than in a fertilizer-amended bark medium. High yields appeared to be associated with higher medium AS and higher initial levels of major and minor plant nutrients.

scholarly journals EXPANDED SHALE AS A POTTING MEDIUM COMPONENT FOR BEDDING PLANTS

HortScience ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1163d-1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Nash ◽  
Tim P. Brubaker ◽  
Billy W. Hipp
Keyword(s):  
Pore Space ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Bedding Plants ◽  
Medium Component ◽  
Potting Medium ◽  
Air Space ◽  
Potting Media ◽  
Expanded Shale ◽  
Container Capacity

Expanded shale and peat moss were mixed in 5 ratios and evaluated as potting media for Petunia and Impatiens. Two grades of shale (coarse and fine) were used. Bulk density increased linearly with increasing shale whereas total pore space and container capacity increased linearly with increasing peat. Air space of peat-fine shale was consistently lower than that of peat-coarse shale when the peat/shale ratio was the same. Container capacity of peat-fine shale was consistently higher than that of peat-coarse shale when the peat/shale ratio was the same. Growth and quality of both bedding plants increased quadratically with increasing peat in peat-coarse shale and increased linearly with increasing peat in peat-fine shale. Highest growth and quality of both plants were found in peat-coarse shale media with at least 50% peat and in peat-fine shale media with at least 75% peat.

scholarly journals KENAF PITH AS A VERMICULITE SUBSTITUTE IN PEAT-BASED MEDIA.

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 647g-647
Author(s):  
Brad B. Hawcroft ◽  
Steven E. Newman
Keyword(s):  
Pore Space ◽  
Hibiscus Cannabinus ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Kenaf Fiber ◽  
Fiber Core ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
Sphagnum Peat Moss ◽  
Celosia Argentea ◽  
The Media ◽  
Water Holding

Kenaf is an alternative fiber crop being evaluated in Mississippi. Kenaf, primarily grown in Asia, can be used in the manufacture of paper, fiber board, acoustical tiles and compost. The bark is the source of the fiber used, leaving the fiber core or pith for use as a paper additive, poultry litter, or is discarded. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of kenaf fiber core as a vermiculite substitute in a sphagnum peat moss-based medium. Plugs of Celosia argentea, Viola × wittrockiana, and Impatiens wallerana were transplanted into 10 cm pots containing 5 different sphagnum peat moss-based media modified with the milled fiber core (pith) of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) and/or vermiculite. The media were as follows: 5 peat: 0 kenaf : 5 vermiculite (v/v/v); 5 peat : 1 kenaf : 4 vermiculite (v/v/v); 5 peat : 2 kenaf : 3 vermiculite (v/v/v); 5 peat : 3 kenaf : 2 vermiculite (v/v/v); 5 peat : 4 kenaf : 1 vermiculite (v/v/v); and 5 peat : 5 kenaf: 0 vermiculite (v/v/v). Water holding capacity, pore space, pH and media shrinkage were monitored throughout the study along with plant growth and plant quality.

scholarly journals Growth Response and Mineral Uptake of Lettuce and Tomato Transplants Grown in Media Amended with Composted Sewage Sludge

1988 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 130-132
Author(s):  
A. Falahi-Ardakani ◽  
J.C. Bouwkamp ◽  
F.R. Gouin ◽  
R.L. Chaney
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Tomato Plants ◽  
Growing Period ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Experimental Media ◽  
Treated Sewage ◽  
Completely Randomized Design ◽  
Marketable Size ◽  
Composted Sewage Sludge

Lettuce, Lactuca sativa L. ‘Summer Bibb’ and tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ‘Westover’ were grown 4 weeks in plastic market packs (MP) in 3 experimental media and a commercially available (Maryland Mix) control. The experimental media were prepared by combining equal parts, by volume of: 1) screened composted sewage sludge (CSS) (made from lime dewatered ferric chloride treated sewage sludge and wood chips), peat moss (PM), and perlite (PL) (CSS-PM-PL); 2) CSS, PM, and vermiculite (VL) (CSS-PM-VL); and 3) CSS-PL-VL. A commercially prepared medium, Maryland mix consisting of silt loam, peat, perlite, and vermiculite (1:2:1:1 by vol) was used as a control. The market packs containing 6 transplants each, were arranged in a completely randomized design and replicated 4 times. One set of seedlings were grown in Maryland mix and CSS-PM-PL and fertilized at the end of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd week after transplanting with a commerical 20N-8.6P-16.6K (20-20-20) fertilizer. Another set of seedlings were grown for 4 weeks in the control mix and 3 experimental media and fertilized at 1st and 3rd week after transplanting with only N fertilizer. For both lettuce and tomato plants, only 270 mg of N per MP per growing period produced marketable size transplants when grown in the CSS-PM-VL medium. These seedlings had no toxic levels of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni and contained adequate N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, and Cu as compared to plants grown in the control medium.

scholarly journals Growth Response and Mineral Uptake of Vegetable Transplants Growing in Composted Sewage Sludge Amended Medium.

1987 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-115
Author(s):  
A. Falahi-Ardakani ◽  
F.R. Gouin ◽  
J.C. Bouwkamp ◽  
R.L. Chaney
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Growth Medium ◽  
Growth Response ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Mineral Uptake ◽  
Sludge Compost ◽  
Sewage Sludge Compost ◽  
Marketable Size ◽  
Composted Sewage Sludge ◽  
Pepper Plants

Six species of vegetable transplants were grown in market packs filled with peat moss, perlite and screened sewage sludge compost (equal parts by vol.). Compost was made from lime-dewatered sludge and woodchips. Seedlings were fertilized at 1, 2, 3 and 4 wks after transplanting in single, split and multiple applications of varying levels of N and K in factorial combinations. Fertilizer applications could be delayed 1 to 2 wks after transplanting without a loss of top growth. Lettuce, broccoli and cabbage plants were grown to marketable size with only N fertilizer. However, eggplants, tomato and pepper plants grew best when fertilized with both N and K. Acceptable levels of P, Ca, Mg, Md, Zn and Fe, as measured in tissues, were provided by the growth medium and tissue Cd levels wete within acceptable limits.

scholarly journals NATURE OF HYDR0PHILIC POLYMERS AND THEIR EFFECT ON SOIL PROPERTIES

HortScience ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 851e-851
Author(s):  
Yin-Tung Wang
Keyword(s):  
Water Retention ◽  
Unit Volume ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Hydrophilic Polymers ◽  
Capillary Porosity ◽  
Potting Media ◽  
The Media ◽  
Maximum Water ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Capillary Pore

The rate of full hydration for several hydrophilic polymers differed greatly (starch-based polymers > propenoate-propenoamid copolymer > polyacrylamide). Maximum water retention in distilled water varied from over 500 g to 57 g of water per of different dry materials. All polymers retained less water in the presence of metal ions or fertilizers, with substances releasing Fe+2 being the most detrimental. Potting media containing a polyacrylamide polymer reached maximum water retention after 6 irrigations, while those with Micromax (micronutrient source) required 10 irrigations to reach maximum hydration. The water-holding capacities of the media declined after repeated fertilization. Medium bulk density, total watet retention, and water retention per unit volume of medium were increased by the incorporation of the polymer, regardless of the presence of Micromax. Non-capillary porosity in medium amended with Micromax progressively decreased as the amount of the polymer increased, but remained unchanged in medium without Micromax. Repeated wet-dry cycles resulted in decreased water retention and increased non-capillary pore space of the media.

scholarly journals Utilization of Sewage Sludge Compost in Horticulture

1993 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis R. Gouin
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Salt Concentration ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Soluble Salt ◽  
Anaerobic Conditions ◽  
Sludge Compost ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
Size Stability ◽  
Potting Media ◽  
Composted Sewage Sludge

Sewage sludge is being converted to compost by many municipalities. Its use in the production, establishment, and/or maintenance of horticultural crops is dependent on soluble salt concentration, particle size, stability, dewatering procedures, storage conditions, and crop needs. Soluble salt concentration has the greatest effect on the amount of compost that can be used as a soil or potting media amendment. Because composted sewage sludge is rich in plant nutrients, it can supply many of the nutrient needs of plants, depending on the amount used and if the plants are growing in the ground or in containers. However, improper storage of composted sewage sludge can render the product useless due to the accumulation of acetic acid and alcohol that occur under anaerobic conditions.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Media Consisting of a Cotton Waste for the Production of Tropical Foliage Species

1991 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-115
Author(s):  
Yin-Tung Wang
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Plant Response ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Cotton Waste ◽  
Initial Ph ◽  
Potting Media

Abstract Media consisting of composted cotton waste (CW) alone and CW in combination with bark or peat moss or both were evaluated for producing two tropical foliage species. Asian bell tree (Radermachera sinica (Hance) Hemsl.) grew satisfactorily in media with 25% or 50% CW, but had less dry weight when produced in CW-amended media with 50% bark. Australian umbrella tree (Brassaia actinophylla Endl.) had less dry weight when produced in media having 50% or more CW. Australian umbrella tree responded the most favorably to the medium containing 25% CW, 50% bark and 25% peat moss which resulted in the poorest Asian bell tree. Plant response to media consisting of CW appeared to be species dependent. Although there were differences in the initial pH of leachates collected from potting media, the differences were small at the termination of this experiment. The electrical conductivity of the leachate varied considerably among various media.

scholarly journals Comparing Potting Media Available to Consumers through Garden Centers and National Chain Stores

HortScience ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 658d-658
Author(s):  
Larry J. Kuhns ◽  
Tracey L. Harpster
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Tagetes Patula ◽  
Soluble Salts ◽  
Chain Stores ◽  
Nitrate N ◽  
Potting Media ◽  
The Media ◽  
Water Holding

A study was initiated to determine how well plants would grow in potting media available to consumers through garden centers and national chain stores. Nine media were evaluated. The chemical and physical characteristics were determined, and six geraniums (Pelargonium sp) and six marigolds (Tagetes patula) were grown in each of the media. Three of each six were fertilized, three were not. The plants that were fertilized received 100 ppm N and K and 50 ppm P once a week. Three months after seeding the flowers, flowers and buds on the marigolds were counted and the plants were harvested. Dry weights were determined. Nitrate-N ranged from 6 to 627 ppm, pH from 4.9 to 7.1, phosphorus from 88 to 502 pounds/A, potassium from 1.0 to 6.9 meq/100 g, magnesium from 1.4 to 10.8 meq/100 g, calcium from 5.2 to 30.0 meq/100 g, soluble salts from 20 to 151 mmhos, and CEC from 13.0 to 43.8 meq/100cc. Bulk density ranged from 21 to 53 g/100cc, water holding capacity from 32 to 53 ml/100cc, percent air-pore space from 2.7 to 15.7, and total porosity ranged from 65% to 78%. Unfertilized marigolds weighed between 0.1 and 9.6 g; fertilized marigolds weighed 1.4 to 17.2 g. Unfertilized geraniums weighed between 1.4 and 23.3 g; fertilized geraniums weighed 4.4 to 56 g. There were 1.3 to 16 flowers on unfertilized and 7 to 24.3 flowers on fertilized marigolds.

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