scholarly journals PENGARUH DOSIS PUPUK KASCING DAN NITROGEN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN SELADA (LACTVCA SATIVA L.) VAR GEORGIA

AGRICA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-43
Author(s):  
Ketut Turaini Indra Winten
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Organic Content ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Optimum Rate ◽  
Nitrogen Rates ◽  
Physical And Chemical

The low of growth and yield of lettuce is quite often caused by the low of soil fertility, especially nitrogen and C-organic content. Poor soil physical properties also contribute to the cause of low yield of lettuce. Improved soil physical and chemical properties by adding casting fertilizers and nitrogen are expected to be able to increase the yields of lettuce. The field experiment was conducted in Candikuning village, district of Baturiti, Tabanan regency, from October 2005 to January 2006. The objective of the experiment was to study the effect of casting fertilizer and nitrogen rates on the growth and yields of lettuce. A randomized complete block design was used in this experiment and two treatment factors were imposed. Those two treatment factors were rates of casting fertilizers (i.e. 0, 10, 20 and 30 t ha"1 ) and rates of N (i.e. 0, 92, 138 and 184 kg N ha"1), which were arranged factorially and repeated three times. Results of the experiment indicated that interaction between casting fertilizer and nitrogen rates did not significantly affect the yields of lettuce. The rates of N only significantly affected several growth variables and the oven-dry weight of heads plant-1. Increased rates of N from 0 to 92 kg N ha-1 significantly resulted in the oven-dry weight of heads of 2.798 g plant-1 which was 13.9% higher than that of 0 kg N ha-1. Rates of casting fertilizer significantly affected head diameter and the oven-dry weight of heads plant"1 and ha-1. Increased rates of casting fertilizer from 0 to 10 t ha-1 gave the oven-dry weight of heads as much as 0.232 t ha"1 or 9.43% higher than the weight given by the rate of 0 t ha-1. The effects of rates of casting fertilizer and N were only significant on several soil physical properties. The relationship between rates of casting fertilizer and yields of lettuce was quadratic (Y = 0.21135 + 0.0032 X - 0.001 X2 ; R2 = 0.981). The optimum rate of casting fertilizer was 16.0 t ha-1 with the maximum oven-dry weight of heads of 0.237 t ha-1, meanwhile, the optimum rate of N had not obtained in this experiment.

scholarly journals Pengaruh Pupuk Majemuk NPKS dan NPK terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Padi Sawah pada Inceptisol

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 175
Author(s):  
Wiwik Hartatik ◽  
Ladiyani Retno Widowati
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Grain Weight ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Fertilizer Treatment ◽  
Optimum Rate ◽  
Compound Fertilizer

<p>Rate of NPK fertilization on rice using NPK compound fertilizer needs to consider soil nutrient status and plant nutrient requirement. The research was aimed to determine the optimum rate of compound fertilizer and the effect of enriched S nutrient of NPKS compound (15-15-15-5S) and NPK compound fertilizer (15-15-15) on the growth and yield of rice. The experiments were conducted at two sites in Galuga, Ciampea Bogor, West Java from April to September 2013, using randomised complete block design with 3 replications. Experiment at site I consisted of 9 treatments: six levels of fertilizers NPKS i.e. 0; 150; 300; 450; 600; and 750 kg/ha, standard fertilizer, NPK compound fertilizer equivalent to standard, and standard fertilizer plus S. Rate of urea, SP-36, and KCl for standard fertilizer treatment was respectively 250, 75, and 50 kg/ha. At site II the treatments consisted of 6 levels of NPK compound fertilizer i.e. 0; 150; 300; 450; 600; and 750 kg/ha and the standard fertilizer with rate of 250 kg/ha of urea, 50 kg/ha SP-36, and 75 kg/ha KCl. Plot size was 4 m x 5 m planted with Ciherang variety. Data collection included chemical properties of soil before and after the experiment, plant height, number of tillers, straw weight, and dry grain weight and the nutrient uptake. The effectiveness of fertilizer was calculated by RAE (Relative Agronomic Effectiveness). Results showed that fertilizer NPKS (15-15-15-5S) at 600 kg/ha effectively increased dry grain weight from 3.63 t/ha to 4.67 t/ha, but was not significantly different from a standard fertilizer treatment. It increased dry grain weight by 29% compared to control. NPK fertilizer (15-15-15) effectively promoted growth and dry grain weight equivalent to standard fertilizer at rate of 300-750 kgha. The optimum rate of NPK compound fertilizer (15-15-15) was 440 kg/ha as was shown with the production performance of 4.12 t/ha with RAE by 58%. NPKS compound fertilizer with rate of 750 kg/ha showed the highest uptake of N, P, and K nutrients and significantly increased the available P in the soil. Whereas NPK compound fertilizer with a rate of 600 kg/ha indicated the highest P nutrient uptake. Fertilizer enrichment with sulfur on NPKS fertilizer (15-15-15-5S) did not significant affect on grain dry weight.</p>

scholarly journals MEDIA ROOT TRAINER MENGANDUNG COCOPEAT DAN GAMBUT MENDUKUNG PERTUMBUHAN DAN KUALITAS AKAR BATANG BAWAH KARET / Root Trainer Media Containing Cocopeat and Peat to Support Growth and Quality of Rubber Rootstock Roots

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Nur Eko Prasetyo ◽  
Budi Setyawan ◽  
Samijan Samijan ◽  
Nofitri Dewi Rinojati ◽  
Sumarmadji Sumarmadji
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Organic Content ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Duncan Multiple Range Test ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Range Test

<p>The physical and chemical properties of the growing medium for <em>root trainer</em> of rubber are critical to support plant growth. This study aimed to obtain the best medium for growing rootstock rubber seedlings in the <em>root trainer</em>.  Rubber clone PR 300 seeds were germinated for 21 days, then raised in <em>root trainer</em> pots for five months. The treatments evaluated were a mixture of <em>cocopeat</em>, Rawapening peat, and manure at different ratios.  The experiment was designed in a Randomized Block Design, three replications, 30 plants per replicate, totaling 720 plants. The observed variables were N, P, K, Mg, C-organic content, pH, and cation exchange capacity of <em>cocopeat</em>, peat, and manure, as well as plant growth (height, stem diameter, wet weight, and dry weight). ANOVA used for analyzing data, followed with the <em>Duncan Multiple Range Test</em> at 5% level. The results showed that there were three best <em>root trainer</em> media for PR 300 rubber rootstock seedlings were a mixture of <em>cocopeat</em> + peat (1:1), <em>cocopeat</em> + peat + manure (1:2:1), and <em>cocopeat</em> + peat + manure (2:1:1). The growth and compactness of the roots are outstanding, so the seedlings are easily removed from the <em>root </em><em>trainer</em> pots without significant damage. Based on the initiation and cost, the best <em>root trainer</em> medium is a mixture of <em>cocopeat</em> + peat + manure (1: 2:1). It is necessary to study the use of other types of peat soils apart from Rawapening. Also, it needs to be observed further plant growth after inoculation with the stem and after planting in the field.</p><p><strong>Keywords </strong>: Planting medium, Rawapening peat, rubber clone PR 300.<em></em></p><p><em><br /></em></p><p><strong>Abstrak<br /></strong></p><p>Sifat fisik dan kimia media tanam di dalam wadah <em>root trainer</em> bibit karet sangat penting untuk mendukung pertumbuhan tanaman. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendapatkan media terbaik untuk pertumbuhan bibit batang bawah karet di dalam <em>root trainer</em>.  Benih klon karet PR 300 dikecambahkan selama 21 hari pada bedeng pengecambahan kemudian dipindah-tanam dan dibesarkan selama 5 bulan dalam pot <em>root trainer</em>. Perlakuannya yaitu campuran <em>cocopeat</em>, gambut Rawapening, dan pupuk kandang (pukan) pada berbagai ratio, dan kontrol. Penelitian dirancang secara Acak Kelompok, tiga ulangan, masing-masing 30 tanaman, sehingga totalnya 720 tanaman. Variabel yang diamati yaitu kandungan N, P, K, Mg, C-organik, pH, dan kapasitas tukar kation dari <em>cocopeat</em>, gambut, dan pupuk kandang, serta pertumbuhan tanaman (tinggi, diameter batang, bobot segar, dan bobot kering). Data dianalisis dengan ANOVA, kemudian <em>Duncan Multiple Range Test</em> pada taraf 5%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada tiga macam media <em>root trainer</em> terbaik untuk bibit batang bawah karet klon PR 300 yaitu campuran <em>cocopeat </em>+ gambut (1:1), <em>cocopeat </em>+ gambut + pukan (1:2:1), dan <em>cocopeat </em>+ gambut + pukan (2:1:1). Pertumbuhan dan kekompakan akar sangat baik sehingga bibit mudah dilepas dari <em>root tainer</em> tanpa kerusakan berarti. Berdasarkan kepraktisan dan biaya maka media <em>root trainer</em> terbaik adalah campuran media <em>cocopeat </em>+ gambut + pukan (1:2:1). Perlu dilakukan kajian mengenai pemanfaatan tanah gambut jenis lainnya selain dari Rawapening. Selain itu, juga perlu diamati lebih lanjut pertumbuhan tanaman setelah diokulasi dengan batang atas maupun setelah ditanam di lapangan.</p><p><strong>Kata kunci </strong>: Gambut Rawapening, klon karet PR 300, media tanam.</p>

scholarly journals Biochar, poultry manure and NPK fertilizer: sole and combine application effects on soil properties and ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) performance in a tropical Alfisol

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aruna Olasekan Adekiya ◽  
Taiwo Michael Agbede ◽  
Wutem Sunny Ejue ◽  
Christopher Muyiwa Aboyeji ◽  
Oluwagbenga Dunsin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Poultry Manure ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Physical And Chemical Properties ◽  
Npk Fertilizer ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
And Chemical Properties

AbstractBiochar has a low chemical composition and is recalcitrant to degradation. For good soil fertility and nutrient use efficiency of crops it becomes imperative that addition of a fast releasing nutrient source to biochar be sought. Therefore, studies were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the effects of biochar with poultry manure (PM) and NPK fertilizer on soil properties, growth and yield of ginger. Treatments evaluated were: biochar applied alone at 15 t ha-1 , PM applied alone at 15 t ha-1, NPK fertilizer applied alone at 200 kg ha-1, biochar applied at 15 t ha-1 with poultry manure applied at 15 t ha-1 (B+PM), biochar applied at 15 t ha-1 with NPK fertilizer applied at 200 kg ha-1 (B+NPK) and a control with no amendment whatsoever. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Biochar, PM, NPK fertilizer alone or B+PM and B+NPK improved soil physical and chemical properties, growth and yield of ginger compared to no amendment (control). NPK fertilizer did not improve soil physical properties nor increased pH, OM, Ca and Mg significantly. B+PM and B+NPK improved soil physical and chemical properties, growth and ginger yield compared to their sole forms. Although B+PM had better soil physical properties, B+NPK increased yield and growth of ginger compared to B+PM. B+NPK increased the yield of ginger by 12.2% and 10.6% in 2017 and 2018, respectively compared with B+PM. B+NPK also increased the yield of ginger by 49.2% and 50.3% in 2017 and 2018, respectively compared to biochar alone. This was related to high presence of nutrients in B+NPK especially N and K which are important for ginger rhizome formation.

Response of corn (Zea mays L.) to various organic-based fertilizers in marginal upland of Sta. Rita, Samar

2017 ◽  
pp. 31-43
Author(s):  
Berta Ratilla ◽  
Loreme Cagande ◽  
Othello Capuno
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Physical And Chemical Properties ◽  
Total N ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
And Chemical Properties

Organic farming is one of the management strategies that improve productivity of marginal uplands. The study aimed to: (1) evaluate effects of various organic-based fertilizers on the growth and yield of corn; (2) determine the appropriate combination for optimum yield; and (3) assess changes on the soil physical and chemical properties. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design, with 3 replications and 7 treatments, namely; T0=(0-0-0); T1=1t ha-1 Evans + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T2=t ha-1 Wellgrow + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T3=15t ha-1 chicken dung; T4=10t ha-1 chicken dung + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T5=15t ha-1 Vermicast; and T6=10t ha-1 Vermicast + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1. Application of organic-based fertilizers with or without inorganic fertilizers promoted growth of corn than the control. But due to high infestation of corn silk beetle(Monolepta bifasciata Horns), its grain yield was greatly affected. In the second cropping, except for Evans, any of these fertilizers applied alone or combined with 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 appeared appropriate in increasing corn earyield. Soil physical and chemical properties changed with addition of organic fertilizers. While bulk density decreased irrespective of treatments, pH, total N, available P and exchangeable K generally increased more with chicken dung application.

The Combine Effect of Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) Manure and NPK Fertilizer on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus carota)

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
K. Atakora ◽  
K. Agyarko ◽  
H. K. Dapaah ◽  
E. K. Asiedu ◽  
A. J. Baayim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Transitional Zone ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Npk Fertilizer ◽  
Physical And Chemical

The use of inorganic fertilizer to produce most vegetables in Ghana like carrot is in ascendency in Asante Mampong and its environs and its continuous use has a rippling effect on soil health and productivity and the high cost of these fertilizers is a challenge to most poor resourced farmers in Ghana. A field experiment was conducted during the major raining season in 2010 at the University of Education Winneba, Faculty of Agriculture Education research field at Mampong in the forest-transitional zone of Ghana on the Bediase series. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of grasscutter manure in combination with NPK fertilizer on soil physical and chemical properties, growth and yield of carrot.  The treatments were 300 kgNPK/ha, combination of half rate NPK fertilizer and different rates of grasscutter manure (GM) thus; (5tGM1/ha+150 kgNPK, 7.5tGM2/ha+150 kgNPK and 10tGM3/ha+150 kgNPK/ha) and control (without amendment) and the experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Results indicates that application of grasscutter manure in combination with NPK fertilizer significantly improved the soil physical conditions particularly, soil bulk density, total porosity, and gravimetric moisture content than the NPK alone and the control. Compared with the control, the treatment combinations significantly increased soil organic carbon, N, organic matter concentrations and exchangeable cations. Plant height, number of leaves, tap root length and root yield of treatment combinations were higher than NPK and the control. Also the treatment combinations significantly reduced nematode presence and number of roots deformed. For good soil health, grasscutter manure in combination with NPK would be better than either manure or NPK alone.

scholarly journals Root growth and yield of sugarcane as a function of increasing gypsum doses

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Ricardo Aprígio Clemente ◽  
Breno Kennedy Lima Bezerra ◽  
Vinicius Santos Gomes da Silva ◽  
Jhulyanne Christiny Marcelino dos Santos ◽  
Laurício Endres
Keyword(s):  
Soil Acidity ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Sugarcane Varieties ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Sugarcane Yield ◽  
Crop Cycle ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
And Chemical Properties

ABSTRACT Sugarcane plays an important role in the Brazilian agribusiness. However, poor rainfall distribution and soil acidity directly affect its production in the Northeast Brazil. Gypsum improves the soil physical and chemical properties, attenuating the effects of water stress and acidity in the edaphic environment. This study aimed at determining the effect of gypsum doses on sugarcane growth and yield. A field experiment was conducted using a 3 x 5 factorial arrangement organized in a randomized block design, with four replications. Treatments consisted of a combination of three sugarcane varieties (RB011941, RB92579 and RB991536) with five gypsum doses (0 Mg ha-1, 2.5 Mg ha-1, 5.0 Mg ha-1, 10.0 Mg ha-1 and 20.0 Mg ha-1). RB92579 exhibited the highest stalk (157.90 Mg ha-1) and sugar (24.10 Mg ha-1) yield. Gypsum did not influence the sugarcane yield or plant growth in the vegetative growth stage, but, in the maturation phase, the leaf area declined and the number of shoots increased with the rise in gypsum doses. Applying gypsum increased the roots density along the soil profile, with a rise of around 1.10 g dm-3 at the most technically efficient dose (12.5 Mg ha-1), however, yield was not influenced, maybe due to the effect of high rainfall during the entire crop cycle. Thus, higher gypsum doses are recommended during periods of drought to benefit from the resulting increased root system.

scholarly journals PENGARUH PUPUK BOKASIH TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN, HASIL, SERTA SIFAT FISIK DAN KIMIA TANAH PADA TANAMAN CABAI (Capsicum annuum L.)

AGRICA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Julianus Jeksen
Keyword(s):  
Pore Space ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Optimum Dose ◽  
Physical And Chemical Properties ◽  
Total Soil ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Pepper Plants ◽  
And Chemical Properties

This study was conducted to determine the effect bokashi fertilizer on the growth and yield of pepper plants, soil physical and chemical properties as well as the optimum dose of fertilizer bokashi.  The design used in this experiment is a randomized block design (RAK) to the single factor pattern consisting of five treatments, namely: B0: 0 tonnes ha-1, B1: 5 tonnes ha-1, B2: 10 ton ha-1, B3: 15 ton ha-1 and B4: 20 tonnes ha-1. The variables were observed in this study is was a high plant (cm), a number of leaves tan-1 (strands), leaf area (cm2), fresh weight of fruit tan-1 (g tan-1) and ha-1 (ton ha-1 ), the soil volume weight (bulk density) (g cm-3), total soil pore space (%), total soil N, P-available land, available K-land, C-organic soil and soil pH. The results showed a significant influence on the variable crop growth and yield of pepper plants. Bokashi fertilizer application also provides improved physical and chemical properties of soil. Bokashi fertilizer use 20 tonnes ha-1 is the optimum dose that increases the weight of fresh chilli ha-1 as much as 26.63 tons.

scholarly journals Effects of compost quality from non-dairy creamer sewage sludge-solid compost biogas-rice husk char on bok choy mustard (Brassica rapa L.)

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17
Author(s):  
Kurniawan Andrianto ◽  
Bistok Hasiholan Simanjuntak ◽  
Maria Marina Herawati
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Brassica Rapa ◽  
Rice Husk ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Compost Quality ◽  
Composting Process

Non-dairy creamer sewage sludge (NDCSS) has high organic matter and nutrients for compost production but NDCSS has a problem for the composting process because it has high moisture and slurry form. Therefore, the composting process of NDCSS requires mixing of other organic materials such as solid compost biogas (SCB) and rice husk char (RHC). Therefore, this study aims to determine the chemical properties of compost from a mixture combination of NDCSS, SCB, and RHC, and to assess compost quality as organic fertilizer from a mixture combination of NDCSS, SCB, and RHC through growth and yield of bok choy mustard (Brassica rapa L). Experiments were carried out in greenhouses from March to September 2019. The research treatment consisted of 7 treatments mixture combination of NDCSS, SCB, and RHC for the composting process, and each treatment was repeated 4 times. The composting process is carried out by anaerobic or fermentation methods. The research layout was used as a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The NDCSS can produce compost with the highest N content, while the RHC will produce compost with the highest P. The mixture combination of NDCSS, SCB, RHC, and the mixture combination of SCB and RC will produce compost with the highest K content. Compost from NDCSS produces the best organic fertilizer because it is able to make the best biomass wet weight and dry weight of bok choy mustard biomass.

scholarly journals The Effect of Solid (Granular) and Liquid (Foliar) Fertilizers Application on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L) in Soils of Obubra, Cross River State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
E. A. Akpa ◽  
L. J. Agah
Keyword(s):  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Cross River State ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Plot Area ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
And Chemical Properties

The research was carried out in the month of April, 2018 to determine the effect of solid (granular) and liquid (foliar) fertilizers application on the growth and yield of maize in soils of Obubra. Five (5) composite soil samples were collected at the depth of 0-20 cm for the analysis of physical and chemical properties before application of the fertilizers. The experimental layout was randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments and five replications in a plot area of 25 m x 20 m (500 m2) which corresponds to 0.05 ha-1. The plot was designed and blocked into subplots, each measuring 6 m x 4 m (24 m2). Each block was separated from the other with a distance of one meter (1 m) apart and between subplots 0.5 m apart. Three treatments made up of treatment one (T1) zero application at 0 kg ha-1, treatment two (T2) liquid (foliar) N.P.K 20:20:20 at the rate of 100 mil of N, 50 mil of P2O5, 33.3 mil of Mp ha-1 and treatment three (T3) solid (granular) N.P.K 20:20:20 at the rate of 44.4 kg of N, 40 kg of P2O5 and 33.3 kg of Mp  ha-1 were replicated five times making a total of fifteen (15) subplots. Parameters of plant heights and number of leaves were observed at 6 and 8 weeks after planting. Plant heights, number of leaves, number of cobs, weight of 1000 seeds in each subplot and weight of grain after shelling were analyzed respectively. Results on soil analyses showed that the soil texture was sandy loam with deficiencies in primary nutrients and other nutrients. On the plant heights, the result was significant (P≤0.05) and on the number of leaves, the result for 6 weeks was not significant (P≥0.05) while that of 8 weeks was significant (P≤0.05). On the number of cobs, 1000 seeds and weight of grain after shelling were also significant (P≤0.05). The solid (granular) fertilizer showed to be more effective than liquid (foliar) fertilizer and should therefore be recommended for the growth and yield of maize in the area.

scholarly journals Posidonia-based Compost as a Peat Substitute for Lettuce Transplant Production

HortScience ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 1438-1444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Mininni ◽  
Pietro Santamaria ◽  
Hamada M. Abdelrahman ◽  
Claudio Cocozza ◽  
Teodoro Miano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Leaf Tissue ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Posidonia Oceanica ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Growing Media ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Posidonia [Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile] is a marine phanerogam endemic of the Mediterranean Sea that grows all along the coast forming extensive underwater meadows. Senescent posidonia leaves, together with fibers (residues of rhizomes and decomposed leaves), periodically accumulate along Mediterranean beaches, covering vast areas of coast. Removal and disposal of these large volumes of plant biomasses represent a high cost for local administrations. Therefore, in this experiment, beached residues of posidonia were composted with olive pruning and green wastes with the objective to assess the efficacy of posidonia-based compost (63% on a volume basis) as a peat replacement. The compost was then mixed with a peat-based commercial substrate at rates of 0% (C0, pure peat-based commercial substrate tested as control), 25% (C25), 50% (C50), 75% (C75), and 100% (C100, pure posidonia-based compost) v/v. Mixtures were used as growing media to produce lettuce seedlings for transplant. Two lettuce cultivars (8511RZ and Satine) were tested. Main physical and chemical properties of the five growing media, shoot and root fresh and dry weight, leaf area, root morphology, and elemental leaf tissue composition were studied. Growing media containing posidonia-based compost, C25 and C50 in particular, showed good physical properties. Increasing compost proportions in the mixtures resulted in enhanced: 1) availability of macro- and micronutrients in the growing media; and 2) overall growth parameters of lettuce seedlings, in particular for the cultivar Satine. In conclusion, posidonia-based compost shows a considerable potential as a peat substitute in horticultural substrates; posidonia residues are a low-cost renewable material. In growing media for lettuce seedlings production, posidonia-based compost could be used as a complement to peat at a rate of 25% or 50% to obtain optimal physical properties and to limit the negative effects of high B content, which are typical of posidonia residues.

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