Identifying appropriate methodology to diagnose aeration limitations with large peat and bark particles in growing media

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 481-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Caron ◽  
P. Morel ◽  
L -M. Rivière ◽  
G. Guillemain
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Fragment Size ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Growing Media ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
Growth Performances ◽  
Relative Diffusivity ◽  
Average Size

Large-sized particles (coarse peat, bark or sawdust) are often added to growing media to improve substrate aeration properties (gas storage and exchange). Recent studies have shown that large fragments mixed with fines may create barriers that restrict gas diffusion or create competition for oxygen even if they improve air storage. An experiment was carried out to compare the growth performances of growing media containing large fragments and to assess their aeration status using different methods. Different mixes were made of a fine sphagnum peat (average size 2.4 mm) and a coarse (1-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-10, and 10-20 mm particles) sphagnum peat or bark (2-4 and 10-20 mm). These substrates had different aeration properties and were used to grow Poinsettia and Impatiens ‘New Guinea’ in a greenhouse, resulting in differences in plant growth. The results show that air-filled porosity remained relatively unaffected by fragment size. Gas relative diffusivity differed significantly between treatments and was highest in the mix with the 2-4 mm particles and diminished rapidly as fragment size increased from 4 to 20 mm or decreased to 1-2 mm. Diffusivity was clearly lower in the bark/peat mixes but showed the same trend with coarse fragments. Root and shoot growth parameters were significantly and positively correlated to gas relative diffusivity. Moreover, the growth reduction observed in the bark/peat mixes relative to pure peat was most likely linked to limited gas exchange. Air-filled porosity assessments performed in situ (in the pot itself) or prior to potting, in cylinders, gave inconsistent results or were not significantly correlated to plant growth, indicating that aeration limitations are better diagnosed with gas diffusivity in growing media.Key words: Air-filled porosity, gas relative diffusivity, gas diffusion, peat substrates, bark, Euphorbia pulcherima, Impatiens (× novae-guinea)

scholarly journals Air-filled Porosity, Gas Relative Diffusivity, and Tortuosity: Indices of Prunus ×cistena sp. Growth in Peat Substrates

1996 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne E. Allaire ◽  
Jean Caron ◽  
Isabelle Duchesne ◽  
Léon-Étienne Parent ◽  
Jacques-André Rioux
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Water Desorption ◽  
Tortuosity Factor ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Relative Diffusivity ◽  
Chemical Factors

A 2-year experiment with Prunus ×cistena sp. was conducted in pots using seven substrates composed of various proportions of primarily peat, compost and bark. Peat substrates significantly affected root and shoot dry weight. Water desorption characteristics and saturated hydraulic conductivity were measured in situ to estimate the pore tortuosity factor and the relative gas diffusion coefficient. The pH, electrical conductivity, C/N ratio, total and hydrolyzable N, as well as NO3--N and NH4+-N in solution were also measured. Estimates of the physical properties suggest that a lack of aeration limited plant growth. Plant growth was significantly correlated with both the gas relative diffusivity and the pore tortuosity factor. Among the chemical factors, pH and soil nitrate level were also correlated with plant growth. No significant correlation was found between plant growth and air-filled porosity or any other measured chemical properties. This study indicates that an index of gas-exchange dynamics could be a useful complementary diagnostic tool to guide substrate manufacturing.

Growth of Dracaena marginata and Spathiphyllum ‘Petite’ in Sphagnum Peat- and Coconut Coir Dust-based Growing Media

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert H. Stamps ◽  
Michael R. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Cocos Nucifera ◽  
Greenhouse Production ◽  
Growing Media ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
Affected Plant ◽  
Coir Dust ◽  
Media Component ◽  
The Media ◽  
Cocos Nucifera L

Abstract A comparison was made of Canadian sphagnum peat (SP) and Philippine coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) coir dust (CD) as growing media components for greenhouse production of Dracaena marginata Bak. and Spathiphyllum Schott ‘Petite’. Three soilless foliage plant growing mixes (Cornell, Hybrid, University of Florida #2 [UF-2]) were prepared using either SP or CD and pine bark (PB), vermiculite (V), and/or perlite (P) in the following ratios (% by vol): Cornell = 50 CD or SP:25 V:25 P, Hybrid = 40 CD or SP:30 V:30 PB, UF-2 = 50 CD or SP: 50 PB. Dracaena root growth was not affected by treatments but there were significant mix × media component interactions that affected plant top growth parameters. In general, the growth and quality of D. marginata were reduced by using CD in Cornell, had no effect in Hybrid, and increased in UF-2. S. ‘Petite’ grew equally well in all growing mixes regardless of whether CD or SP was used; however, plants grew more in Cornell and Hybrid than in UF-2. S. ‘Petite’ roots, which were infested with Cylindrocladium spathiphylli, had higher grades when grown in CD than when the media contained SP.

scholarly journals Optimizing hydroponic culture media and NO3−/NH4+ ratio for improving essential oil compositions of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L.)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Ahmadi ◽  
Abbas Samadi ◽  
Ebrahim Sepehr ◽  
Amir Rahimi ◽  
Sergey Shabala
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Echinacea Purpurea ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Root Weight ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Growing Media

AbstractMedicinal plants represent a valuable commodity due to beneficial effects of their natural products on human health, prompting a need for finding a way to optimize/increase their production. In this study, a novel growing media with various perlite particle size and its mixture with peat moss was tested for hydroponic-based production of Echinacea purpurea medicinal plant under greenhouse conditions. The plant growth parameters such as plant height, total fresh leave weight, fresh root weight, total biomass, total chlorophyll, leaf area, and essential oil compositions were assessed. Perlite particle size in the growing media was varied from very coarse (more than 2 mm) to very fine (less than 0.5 mm), and the ratio between perlite and peat moss varied from 50:50 v/v to 30:70 v/v. In addition, two nitrate (NO3−) to ammonium (NH4+) ratios (90:10 and 70:30) were tested for each growing media. The medium containing very fine-grade perlite and 50:50 v/v perlite to peat moss ratio was found to be most optimal and beneficial for E. purpurea performance, resulting in maximal plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf surface area, and chlorophyll content. It was also found that an increase in NO3−/NH4+ ratio caused a significant increase in plant growth parameters and increase the plant essential oil content. The major terpene hydrocarbons found in extract of E. purpurea with the best growth parameters were germacrene D (51%), myrcene (15%), α-pinene (12%), β-caryophyllene (11%), and 1-Pentadecene (4.4%), respectively. The percentages of these terpene hydrocarbons were increased by increasing of NO3−/NH4+ ratio. It can be concluded that decreasing the perlite particle size and increasing the NO3−/NH4+ ratio increased the plant growth parameters and essential oil compositions in E. purpurea.

scholarly journals 164 THE POTENTIAL OF COIR (COCONUT MESOCARP PITH) AS A PEAT SUBSTITUTE IN CONTAINER MEDIA.

HortScience ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 452c-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan W. Meerow
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Cocos Nucifera ◽  
Waste Product ◽  
Wetland Ecosystems ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
Coir Pith ◽  
Ornamental Crops ◽  
Long Fibers

Coir is the name given to the fibrous material that constitutes the thick mesocarp of the coconut fruit (Cocos nucifera L.). The long fibers of coir are extracted from the coconut husk and utilized in the manufacture of various products. The short fibers and dust (“pith”) left behind have accumulated as a waste product. Coir pith is light to dark brown in color and consists primarily of particles in the size range 0.2-2.0 mm (75-90%). In composition, it is 65-70% lignin and 20-30% cellulose. To date, few replicated tests have assessed the performance of coir pith as a plant growth medium. From April, 1993 to April, 1994, four ornamental crops (pentas, ixora, anthurium and majesty palm) were grown in container media that differed only in the peat fraction (40%), either sphagnum, Florida (sedge) peat, or coir pith. On the basis of plant growth parameters, coir pith was superior to sedge peat as a medium component (though only marginally for the anthurium) and at least equal to sphagnum peat. In addition to physical qualities equal to or better than sphagnum peat, coir decomposes more slowly than either sedge or sphagnum peat, withstands compression better and is easier to wet than peat. There are also no ecological drawbacks to the use of coir -- a waste product -- relative to the harvest of peat from wetland ecosystems.

scholarly journals EFFECT OF VARIOUS TYPES OF GROWING MEDIA AND APPLICATION OF LIQUID ORGANIC FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH OF DENDROBIUM ORCHIDS

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
I Dewa Made Arthagama ◽  
I Made Dana ◽  
Putu Perdana Kusuma Wiguna
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Wood Charcoal ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Single Treatment ◽  
Growing Media ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Number Of Leaves

This research was a potted experiment carried out in a special orchid house (arnet) at the Padang Galleria Padangsambian Kelod from September to November 2019, the aim was to determine the effect of plant media and the provision of liquid organic fertilizers on the growth of dendrobium orchids. The factorial CRD pattern was the design used in this study, which consists of two factors, first, the use of growing media of wood charcoal (K), fern stems (P), and a mixture of fern stems with wood charcoal (M) and, second, the provision of liquid organic fertilizer, namely, Dewa (D), DI Grow (I), and GDM (G). The results showed that the interaction between the use of planting media and the application of liquid organic fertilizer had no significant effect on all plant growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, and number of tillers. However, the plant medium as a single treatment had a significant effect on the number of orchid tillers, fern stems (P) as the plant medium gave the highest number of tillers, namely: 2.22 stems or 32.93% more than the growing media for wood charcoal (K) and a mixture of charcoal, wood and fern stems (M) with 1.67 tillers each

scholarly journals Improving Essential Oil Compositions of Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea L.) Medicinal Plant Using Novel Growing Media and Nutrition Pattern in Hydroponics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Ahmadi ◽  
Abbas Samadi ◽  
Ebrahim Sepehr ◽  
Amir Rahimi ◽  
Sergey Shabala
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Echinacea Purpurea ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Root Weight ◽  
Growing Media

Abstract Medicinal plants represent a valuable commodity due to beneficial effects of their natural products on human health, prompting a need for finding a way to optimize/increase their production. In this study, a novel growing media with various perlite particle size and its mixture with peat moss was tested for hydroponic-based production of Echinacea purpurea medicinal plant under greenhouse conditions. The plant growth parameters such as plant height, total fresh leave weight, fresh root weight, total biomass, total chlorophyll, leaf area, and essential oil compositions were assessed. Perlite particle size in the growing media was varied from very coarse (more than 2 mm) to very fine (less than 0.5 mm), and the ratio between perlite and peat moss varied from 50:50 v/v to 30:70 v/v. In addition, two NO3-/NH4+ ratios (90:10 and 70:30) were tested for each growing media. The medium containing very fine-grade perlite and 50:50 v/v perlite to peat moss ratio was found to be most optimal and beneficial for E. purpurea performance, resulting in maximal plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf surface area, and chlorophyll content. It was also found that an increase in NO3-/NH4+ ratio caused a significant increase in plant growth parameters and increase the plant essential oil content. The major terpene hydrocarbons found in extract of E. purpurea with the best growth parameters were germacrene D (51%), myrcene (15%), α-pinene (12%), β-caryophyllene (11%), and 1-Pentadecene (4.4%), respectively. The percentages of these terpene hydrocarbons were increased by increasing of NO3-/NH4+ ratio. It can be concluded that decreasing the perlite particle size and increasing the NO3-/NH4+ ratio increased the plant growth parameters and essential oil compositions in E. purpurea.

scholarly journals Compost-Based Growing Media Improved Yield of Leafy Lettuce in Pot Culture

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1762
Author(s):  
Mari Marutani ◽  
Seanne Clemente
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Wood Chips ◽  
Chicken Manure ◽  
Root Weight ◽  
Growing Media ◽  
Shoot Weight ◽  
Pot Culture

Compost-based media were examined for effects on plant growth of leafy lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in pot culture. Four types of locally sourced composts were created using different proportions of wood chips from untreated pallets and mixed tropical tree debris, food waste from restaurants, and chicken manure. Compost-based media were prepared by mixing each compost with a commercial peatmoss to create 25, 50, and 100% compost-peatmoss mixtures (by volume). In Trial One, cv. Starfighter had the greatest shoot (leaves/stems) biomass when grown in 100% compost containing wood chips, food waste, and chicken manure. In Trial Two, cvs. Starfighter and New Red Fire were examined. Growing media affected all plant growth parameters including fresh and dry shoots and roots, shoot and root length, and number of leaves. Cultivar affected all except fresh root weight. Interaction effects of growing medium and cultivar type were found for fresh shoot weight, dry root weight, shoot, and root length. Regression analyses indicated increases in amount of compost in growing media increased dry shoot and root weights. Composts containing recyclable organic materials can be an alternative to commercial media in pot culture.

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