scholarly journals Mixed Hardwood and Sugarcane Bagasse Biochar as Potting Mix Components for Container Tomato and Basil Seedling Production

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (21) ◽  
pp. 4713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Yu ◽  
Qiansheng Li ◽  
Lan Huang ◽  
Genhua Niu ◽  
Mengmeng Gu
Keyword(s):  
Sugarcane Bagasse ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Water Extract ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Seedling Production ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Phytotoxicity Test ◽  
Bagasse Biochar

To investigate the potential of biochar as a propagation mix component, three experiments were conducted. A phytotoxicity test was conducted with water extract of sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB), SBB mixes (10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% SBB with 30% perlite (P) and the rest being peat moss (PM); by vol.), mixed hardwood biochar (HB) mixes (10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 100% HB with PM; by vol.), PM, P, 70%PM:30%P, and a commercial propagation mix (exp. 1). None of the mixes caused phytotoxicity. The same biochar mixes (except 100% HB) were used for the seedling growth test (exp. 2). Both tomato and basil seedlings grown in all of the biochar mixes (except 50% HB) had significantly lower fresh weight, dry weight and growth index (GI) compared to a commercial propagation mix. Six seedlings from each biochar mix were transplanted into a commercial growing mix and grown for four weeks (exp. 3). Tomato seedlings from all biochar mixes (except 30% SBB) had similar SPAD (Soil-Plant Analyses Development) and GI to the control. Basil seedlings from all HB mixes, 70% and 100% SBB mixes had similar GI to the control. In conclusion, 70% HB could be amended with PM for tomato and basil seedling production without negative effects on plant biomass.

scholarly journals Effects of Mixed Hardwood and Sugarcane Biochar as Bark-Based Substrate Substitutes on Container Plants Production and Nutrient Leaching

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Yu ◽  
Lan Huang ◽  
Qiansheng Li ◽  
Isabel M. Lima ◽  
Paul M. White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Sugarcane Bagasse ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Nutrient Leaching ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Tomato Plants ◽  
N Concentration ◽  
Bagasse Biochar ◽  
Leaf Greenness

Biochar (BC) has the potential to replace bark-based commercial substrates in the production of container plants. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of mixed hardwood biochar (HB) and sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB) to replace the bark-based commercial substrate. A bark-based commercial substrate was incorporated with either HB at 50% (vol.) or SBB at 50% and 70% (vol.), with a bark-based commercial substrate being used as the control. The total porosity (TP) and container capacity (CC) of all SBB-incorporated mixes were slightly higher than the recommended value, while, the others were within the recommended range. Both tomato and basil plants grown in the BC-incorporated mixes had a similar or higher growth index (GI), leaf greenness (indicated by soil-plant analyses development), and yield than the control. The leachate of all mixes had the highest NO3–N concentration in the first week after transplantation (1 WAT). All BC-incorporated mixes grown with both tomato and basil had similar NO3–N concentration to the control (except 50% SBB at 1 and 5 WAT, and 50% HB at 5 WAT with tomato plants; 50% SBB at 5 WAT with basil plants). In conclusion, HB could replace bark-based substrates at 50% and SBB at 70% for both tomato and basil plant growth, without negative effects.

scholarly journals The Effects of Mixed Hardwood Biochar, Mycorrhizae, and Fertigation on Container Tomato and Pepper Plant Growth

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 7072
Author(s):  
Ping Yu ◽  
Qiansheng Li ◽  
Lan Huang ◽  
Kuan Qin ◽  
Genhua Niu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Chicken Manure ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Pepper Plant ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Total Dry Weight ◽  
Similar Soil ◽  
Container Plant

Biochar (BC) has the potential as a peat moss alternative for container plant growth. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of mixed hardwood BC, compost types, mycorrhizae, and fertigation on container-grown tomato and pepper growth. In experiment 1 (Exp1), BC at 50%, 70%, and 90% (vol.) were mixed with 5% vermicompost (VC) with the rest being a commercial peat moss-based substrate (CS) and fertigated at 200 or 300 mg L−1 N. In experiment 2 (Exp2), 80% BC was mixed with chicken manure compost (CM; 5% or 10%) and CS and fertigated at 100 or 200 mg L−1 N. In experiment 3 (Exp3), 90% BC was blended with CS and fertigated at 200 or 300 mg L−1 N. Mixes in all the three experiments were added with or without mycorrhizae. Results showed that, compared with CS, in Exp1 tomato and pepper plants grown in BC-VC mixes had similar soil-plant analyses development (SPAD), growth index (GI), and total dry weight (TDW); in Exp2 and Exp3, plants in BC mixes (80% or 90%) had lower GI and TDW. In conclusion, BC (≤70%) amended with VC mixes could be used for container tomato and pepper production without negatively affecting plant growth, while BC (80%, 90%) mixes could have some negative impacts on plant growth.

Incorporation de résidus organiques dans un substrat tourbeux pour la production d'impatiens et de géraniums

1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-138
Author(s):  
Fabienne Gauthier ◽  
Serge Gagnon ◽  
Blanche Dansereau
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Visual Quality ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Paper Sludge ◽  
Organic Residues ◽  
Top Dry Weight ◽  
Impatiens Wallerana

During winter 1994 and spring-summer 1994, seedlings of Impatiens wallerana 'Accent Coral' and Pelargonium × hortorum 'Orbit Hot Pink' were grown in a commercial substrate (PRO-MIX 'BX') or in one of 24 substrates composed of perlite (35% by volume), peat moss and of six organic residues (composted water-treated sludge, forestry compost, fresh or composted used peat extracted by biofilter during treatment of municipal water, and fresh or composted paper sludge). The purpose of the study was to determine the maximal proportion of these residues to be incorporated into a peat substrate to obtain quality plants. Growth parameters (growth index, top dry weight, and visual quality) generally decreased with increasing proportion (5, 10, 25 or 40% per volume). During the winter experiment, growth of control plants was superior to growth of plants grown in substrates composed of residues. An incorporated proportion of 25% per volume was shown to be maximal for the production of impatiens and geraniums. Key words: Impatiens wallerana, Pelargonium × hortorum, water treated sludge, composted wastes, peat moss, subirrigation

scholarly journals Earthworm Castings as a Media Amendment for Chrysanthemum Production

HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 565C-565b
Author(s):  
Pablo R. Hidalgo ◽  
Richard L. Harkess ◽  
Frank Matta
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Eisenia Fetida ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Animal Manure ◽  
Animal Waste ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Plastic Container ◽  
The Media

Castings from earthworm (Eisenia fetida) when fed on sheep (SC), cow (CC), or horse (HC) manures were evaluated on growth of Dendranthema `Miramar' cuttings. Castings were produced placing 100 L of manure and 1 kg of earthworms in a 212-L plastic container for each animal manure. Mixtures of peat moss and castings at 0:1, 1:3, 1:1, or 3:1 were evaluated for each animal waste with 100% peat and Sunshine Mix 1 used as the controls. Each media treatment was replicated eight times with each replication consisting of four cuttings per 1-L (15-cm diameter) plastic container. Leachate pH and nutrient content increased as the amount of castings in the media increased. Plant growth index, leaf area, and number of flowers were greatest in media consisting of SC at 1:1 and 3:1 peat:castings. Similar results for growth index and leaf area were obtained with CC at 3:1 and 1:1, respectively. Increasing the amount of castings in the substrate reduced the plant dry weight and increased shrinkage of the media.

scholarly journals Physical and Chemical Properties of Substrates Containing Earthworm Castings and Effects on Marigold Growth

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 1474-1476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo R. Hidalgo ◽  
Frank B. Matta ◽  
Richard L. Harkess
Keyword(s):  
Pore Space ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Physical And Chemical Properties ◽  
Flower Number ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
And Chemical Properties

The effects of various substrates with or without earthworm [Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826] castings on growth of marigolds were evaluated. In addition, the physical and chemical properties of such substrates were determined. Castings had a greater nutrient content than the remaining substrates. The 4 pine bark: 1 sand treatment (v/v) (PBS) had higher P, K, and Zn than 7 peat moss: 3 perlite (v/v) (PP). PP had the lowest nutrient content of all substrates. Castings (C) had the highest pH followed by 1 PBS: 1 C (v/v), 2 PBS: 1C (v/v) and 3 PBS: 1C (v/v). Sunshine Mix 1 and PP had the lowest pH. EC (ER) was increased by castings, which had high ER. Castings and PP had the greatest percentage pore space. Water-holding capacity was greatest for 2 PBS: 1C (v/v) compared with Sunshine Mix 1 followed by castings. Earthworm castings increased plant growth index, stem diameter, root growth, dry weight, and flower number of marigolds compared with PP, Sunshine Mix 1, and PBS. All mixtures of castings (C) with PP, PBS, except 3 PBS: 1C (v/v), increase the growth index of plants. 1 PP: 1 C (v/v), increased flower number compared with all substrates without castings. Castings alone increased number of open flowers, but did not differ from 1 PP: 1 C or 3 PP:1 C.

scholarly journals 495 PB 175 PHOSPHORUS SUPPLY CONTROL OF BEDDING PLANT SEEDLING ROOT/SHOOT RATIO

HortScience ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 502c-502
Author(s):  
JinSheng Huang ◽  
Paul V. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Nitrate Solution ◽  
Control Level ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Seedling Production ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Shoot Ratio ◽  
Sphagnum Peat Moss ◽  
Root Shoot Ratio ◽  
Bedding Plant

It is desirable to have a large root mass and compact shoot in the final stage of plug seedling production. Marigold `Discovery Orange' was grown for six weeks from sowing in a hydroponic system. Hoagland's all nitrate solution was used at 0.25X for the first three weeks and 0.5X for the final three weeks. P was applied continuously in the control and was eliminated for the first one or three weeks in the two stress treatments. Weekly mot and shoot dry weights indicated: a.) P stress caused an increase in root/shoot ratio with roots larger than in the control plants and b.) restoration of P after a P stress resulted in a rapid shift of root/shoot ratio back to the control level with final root and shoot weights less than in the control plants. A continuous marginal P stress or a stress near the end of seedling production is suggested. Tomato `Marglobe' was grown for five weeks and impatiens `Super Elfin White' for six weeks in a 3 sphagnum peat moss: 1 perlite substrate in 288 cell plug trays. Fertilizer was applied at every third watering at a zero leaching percentage. The control nutrient ratio (mM) was 5.4 NH4+ NO3: 0.5 PO4: 1.6 K while the low P treatments contained 0.15, 0.1, and 0.05 mM PO4 throughout the experiment. The root/shoot dry weight ratios increased in the low P treatments. Tomato plants at 0.15 and 0.1 mM P and impatiens plants at 0.15 mM P had larger roots than the control plants. A continuous stress at 0.15 mM PO4 appears promising.

scholarly journals The Potential of using Olive Pomace as Soilless Growing Medium for Crop Cultivation Inside Greenhouse

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. H. Rahil ◽  
K. Najjar ◽  
R. AbuAlfia
Keyword(s):  
Plant Height ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Olive Pomace ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Higher Plant ◽  
Yield Production ◽  
Growing Medium ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: The improper disposal of olive pomace causes a serious environmental issue in Palestine because of its negative effects on soil, environment and ground water. The current study was aimed to investigate the potential of using olive pomace as soilless growing medium. Methods: During the period 2016-2017 two field experiments were conducted at the experimental farm of Palestine Technical University Kadoorie, Tulkarm, Palestine. In the first experiment, olive pomace was mixed with peat moss as follows (Op:Pt2:1, Op:Pt1:1, Op:Pt1:2 and Op100%). In the second experiment, olive pomace was mixed with peat moss and compared with different known growing medium as follows (Op:Pt1:1, Op:Pt1:3, Pt:Vr1:1 and Pt:Pr1:1). Result: Results of the first experiment indicated that the olive pomace treatment (Op:Pt1:2) produced the highest plant height compared to the other treatments. In the second experiment the (Pt:Vr1:1) and (Pt:Pr1:1) treatments produced the highest yield of cucumber without significant difference between those two treatments. The (Op:Pt1:1) treatment produced higher plant height, root depth, dry weight, yield production and fruit number of cucumber compared with (Op:Pt1:3) treatment.

scholarly journals EFFECT OF PACLOBUTRAZOL FORMULATION ON THE GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF BUDDLEIA DAVIDII 'DUBONNET'

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1174e-1174
Author(s):  
John M. Ruter
Keyword(s):  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Liquid Formulation ◽  
Root:Shoot Ratio ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Total Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Buddleia Davidii ◽  
Butterfly Bush

Granular and liquid formulations of paclobutrazol were tested to evaluate the growth and flowering response of butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii Franch. 'Dubonnet'). At the rates tested (5, 10, 20, and 40 mg ai·pot–1), the granular formulation reduced the growth index, plant height, shoot dry weight, total plant biomass, number of panicles and panicle length to a greater degree than the liquid formulation applied as a drench. Both formulations reduced total plant biomass and increased the root:shoot ratio compared to the control. All rates of the granular formulation above 5 mg ai · pot–1 produced non-marketable plants. Since no phytotoxicity was observed with any treatment, the application of paclobutrazol to control the growth of butterfly-bush may be useful if the correct formulation and rate of application are chosen.

Evaluation of Nurse Crops for Weed Control and Plant Establishment in Prairie Restoration

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 485b-485
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Barry ◽  
Michael N. Dana
Keyword(s):  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Spring Barley ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Prairie Restoration ◽  
Plant Establishment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nurse Crops ◽  
Partridge Pea ◽  
Prairie Plant

Nurse crops are often recommended in prairie restoration planting. This work investigated several alternative nurse crops to determine their utility in prairie planting. Nurse crops were composed of increasing densities (900, 1800, or 2700 seeds/m2) of partridge pea, spring oats, spring barley, Canada wild rye, or equal mixtures of partridge pea and one of the grasses. The experimental design was a randomized complete-block set in two sites with three blocks per site and 48 treatments per block. Each 3 × 3-m plot contained 1 m2 planted in Dec. 1995 or Mar. 1996 with an equal mix of seven prairie species. The nurse crops were sown over each nine square meter area in April 1996. Plots lacking nurse crops served as controls. Evaluated data consisted of weed pressure rankings and weed and prairie plant dry weight. Nurse crop treatments had a significant effect on weed pressure in both sites. Barley (1800 and 2700 seeds/m2) as well as partridge pea + barley (2700 seeds/m2) were most effective at reducing weed pressure. When weed and prairie plant biomass values were compared, a significant difference was observed for site quality and planting season. Prairie plant establishment was significantly greater in the poorly drained, less-fertile site and spring-sown plots in both sites had significantly higher prairie biomass values. Overall, after two seasons, there was no advantage in using nurse crops over the control. Among nurse crop treatments, oats were most effective in reducing weed competition and enhancing prairie plant growth.

scholarly journals Valorization of sugarcane bagasse by chemical pretreatment and enzyme mediated deconstruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vihang S. Thite ◽  
Anuradha S. Nerurkar
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Sugarcane Bagasse ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Enzymatic Saccharification ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Gravimetric Analysis ◽  
Chemical Pretreatment ◽  
Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes ◽  
First Time ◽  
Soluble Components

Abstract After chemical pretreatment, improved amenability of agrowaste biomass for enzymatic saccharification needs an understanding of the effect exerted by pretreatments on biomass for enzymatic deconstruction. In present studies, NaOH, NH4OH and H2SO4 pretreatments effectively changed visible morphology imparting distinct fibrous appearance to sugarcane bagasse (SCB). Filtrate analysis after NaOH, NH4OH and H2SO4 pretreatments yielded release of soluble reducing sugars (SRS) in range of ~0.17–0.44%, ~0.38–0.75% and ~2.9–8.4% respectively. Gravimetric analysis of pretreated SCB (PSCB) biomass also revealed dry weight loss in range of ~25.8–44.8%, ~11.1–16.0% and ~28.3–38.0% by the three pretreatments in the same order. Release of soluble components other than SRS, majorly reported to be soluble lignins, were observed highest for NaOH followed by H2SO4 and NH4OH pretreatments. Decrease or absence of peaks attributed to lignin and loosened fibrous appearance of biomass during FTIR and SEM studies respectively further corroborated with our observations of lignin removal. Application of commercial cellulase increased raw SCB saccharification from 1.93% to 38.84%, 25.56% and 9.61% after NaOH, H2SO4 and NH4OH pretreatments. Structural changes brought by cell wall degrading enzymes were first time shown visually confirming the cell wall disintegration under brightfield, darkfield and fluorescence microscopy. The microscopic evidence and saccharification results proved that the chemical treatment valorized the SCB by making it amenable for enzymatic saccharification.

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