A biotic strategy to sequester carbon in the ornamental containerized bedding plant production: A review

Identifying options of climate change mitigation is of global interest to researchers. Whereas wide range of techniques of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon sequestration have been studied in row crops and forest systems, little research has been done on the ornamental horticulture. The ornamental industrial sector has indeed some negative impacts on the global environment, but also presents opportunities to reduce GHG emissions and increase C sequestration. Thus the objective of this study was to synthesize the potential contributions of some substrates used in the horticultural sector to carbon sequestration. The specific focus of the review is on the possible use of compost, vermicompost and biochar as soilless substrate substitutes for containerized ornamental plants production. Around 11 million kilograms of sphagnum peat moss are used annually in the world for horticultural production. Therefore, the potential of using compost, vermicompost and biochar as growing media is assessed on the basis of data from greenhouse studies. Peat-based substrate can be substituted up to 30% to 35% by compost or vermicompost and up to 20% to 25% by biochar. Some examples from field studies are included to conduct the life cycle assessment of using these growth media. An estimate of C storage on the long-term basis in soil indicates up to 3 million tons of CO2 equivalent as the maximum C potential storage per year in the global productive sector if the peat-based growing media are substituted by compost/vermicompost and biochar at the ratios mentioned above. Finally, synergies between compost vermicompost and biochar are discussed when these materials are combined as growing media additives and research gaps in this area of activity have been identified for further research.

Download Full-text

New Horticulture Curriculum on Growing Media and Soil Amendment Available

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.32.3.433a ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 433A-433

Author(s):

G.O. Hood

Keyword(s):

Soil Amendment ◽

Lesson Plan ◽

Soil Amendments ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Background Information ◽

Peat Moss ◽

Growth Media ◽

Research Information ◽

Growing Media ◽

Teaching Plan

Horticultural schools are always looking for fresh material for their classes. The Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association (CSPMA) has developed a lesson plan entitled Growing Media and Soil Amendment that is ideal for horticultural or greenhouse management courses. The teaching plan includes terms and definitions on all types of peatmoss and commonly used terms related to the resource. It discusses characteristics and qualities of world peat resources as well as comparisons of physical, chemical, and biological properties of organic materials used in growth media and as soil amendments. In addition to the research information on peat and other soil amendments, the teaching plan addresses the environmental issues surrounding the use of wetlands, including peatlands and the effects of peat harvesting on the environment. The plan introduces students and instructors to the reclamation and restoration efforts that have been developed and used to preserve the harvested bogs in Canada. The curriculum is divided into two sections: one for the students, which includes handouts and one for the instructor, with more in-depth background information.

Download Full-text

Comparative Effectiveness of Different Growth Media on Growth, Biomass and Morphology Features of Kinnow Mandarin Seedling

10.46619/fpns.2020.1-1001 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Raza Taqi ◽

◽

Hasnain Kazmi Zurriat ◽

Arshad Ullah Muhammad ◽

Kanwal Iqra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dry Weight ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Peat Moss ◽

Growth Media ◽

Growing Media ◽

Surface Areas ◽

Root Shoot Ratio ◽

Seedling Length ◽

Kinnow Mandarin ◽

Effective Growth

An experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture, Sub-campus Burewala Vehari during spring 2018 to investigate the most effective growth media for the growth of kinnow Mandarin seedlings along with highest potential of root, shoots, branches and leaves growth. The growing media is crucial for better plant growth and development. Seeds of Kinnow Mandarin were sown in twelve (12) different composite media (made from different proportions of peat moss, coco coir, compost, baggase, and soil) in CRD with three repeats. Data regarding germination of kinnow seeds and seedling quality parameters (Fresh weight, dry weight, seedling length, root shoot ratio, dry matter contents) were recorded during the experiment. The results proved that the peat moss was the most efficient among all the other growing media for producing the maximum number of leaves, shoot length, root length and seedling length while, compost was found to be a most effective medium for maximum seed germination. The composition in 1:1 of baggase + peat moss was most prominent to produce leaves with larger surface areas. Therefore, peat moss is an effective growth media among other growing media for Kinnow production.

Download Full-text

Actual Performance versus Theoretical Advantages of Polyacrylamide Hydrogel throughout Bedding Plant Production

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.40.7.2040 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 40 (7) ◽

pp. 2040-2046 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Jonathan M. Frantz ◽

James C. Locke ◽

Dharmalingam S. Pitchay ◽

Charles R. Krause

Keyword(s):

Divalent Cations ◽

Total Porosity ◽

New Guinea ◽

Plant Production ◽

Flower Longevity ◽

Irrigation Frequency ◽

Growing Media ◽

Actual Performance ◽

Bedding Plant ◽

New Guinea Impatiens

An appropriate blend of growing media components increases water holding capacity and reduces irrigation frequency. Synthetic commercial materials, referred to as hydrogels, have remarkable hydrating properties, but can add significantly (about 15%) to the cost of growing media. The literature generally states that the physical characteristics of hydrogels, such as polyacrylamide (PAM), are altered by the presence of divalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+). Few studies, however, have simultaneously investigated plant growth and development and media characteristics on a daily basis throughout plant production. Thus, the mechanisms explaining the reported beneficial and/or detrimental effects from PAM incorporation remain hidden. In this study, canopy ground cover of two species [pansy (Viola ×wittrockiana Gams) and new guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri Bull)] was measured daily, from transplanting to marketable size, using digital imaging to determine growth differences of plants grown in media containing different amounts of PAM. Media water content was determined with time-domain reflectance probes every 10 minutes in media treatments. Total number of irrigation events, time between irrigation events, root development after 4 and 8 weeks of growth, flower number, flower longevity, and dry masses of the shoot were also measured. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant structural differences in hydrated PAM depending on water quality. The pansy canopy coverage was significantly greater with hydrogels, and root growth early in production was enhanced with PAM. No such effect was observed for new guinea impatiens. Total flower numbers and flower longevity of new guinea impatiens decreased with increasing amount of PAM (16.7% or higher) in the media. PAM incorporation reduced the need for irrigation early in production for both species, but by the end of production, those new guinea impatiens plants were smaller (less shoot dry mass) and required irrigation as often as plants grown without PAM. This effect coincided with reduced media volume, air capacity, and total porosity in PAM-containing media. Theoretical analysis of the potential benefits from hydrogels confirms the potential benefit early in production with little to no benefit later in production and in post-production. These data will assist growers in determining if the benefits derived from the use of PAM justify the added cost of medium.

Download Full-text

375 Low Phosphorus Controls Bedding Plant Growth

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.35.3.457b ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 457B-457

Author(s):

Douglas Cox

Keyword(s):

Growth Control ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Peat Moss ◽

Growth Media ◽

Tagetes Patula ◽

P Deficiency ◽

Commercial Media ◽

Sphagnum Peat Moss ◽

Bedding Plant ◽

P Fertilizer

`Ultra Red' petunia (Petunia × hybrida Hort. Vilm.-Andr.), `Bonanza Orange' marigold (Tagetes patula L.), and `Marglobe' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were fertilized with a low-P, water-soluble fertilizer to evaluate the potential of low-P nutrition to control growth. Beginning at transplanting, plants received N at 150 mg·L–1 fertilizer solutions twice a week until finish from 20N–4.3P–16.6K continuously (control), 20N–0P–16.6K continuously, or four or six applications of 20N–0P–16.6K followed by 20N–4.3P–16.6K to finish. Growth media were two commercial soilless substrates (Fafard 3B and Metro Mix 360), and a 2 sphagnum peat moss: 1 perlite: 1 vermiculite combination (v/v) containing no starter or granular P fertilizer. All species in the 2:1:1 growth medium responded to low P treatments with significant growth reductions. In the commercial media, presumably due to the presence of a P-containing starter fertilizer, there were no visible effects of low P on the size of ornamental species and only small reductions in the measured growth characteristics compared to the control. Tomato growth, however, was significantly reduced by low P treatments in both commercial media. This research suggests that the P requirement of some ornamental bedding species is very low and that to use low P for growth control, plants must be grown in a substrate containing no P fertilizer. Under these conditions, four or six applications of 20N–0P–16.6K followed by 20N–4.3P–16.6K to finish resulted in desirable growth reductions and no P deficiency symptoms.

Download Full-text

KENAF AS A COMPONENT OF SOILLESS GROWTH MEDIA

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.28.4.256c ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 28 (4) ◽

pp. 256C-256

Author(s):

Bing Shi ◽

Wallace Pill

Keyword(s):

Shoot Growth ◽

Slow Release ◽

Total Porosity ◽

Hibiscus Cannabinus ◽

Plant Production ◽

Growth Media ◽

Calcined Clay ◽

N Supply ◽

Bedding Plant ◽

Optimal Medium

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), native to east Africa, is an annual herbaceous member of Malvaceae cultivated primarily for its bast fibers. One of many potential uses of kenaf is that of a growth medium component. Kenaf stems (xylem plus phloem) were ground and sieved to 2 to 5 mm diameter particles. The particles were combined at various volumetric percentages with other components (perlite, vermiculite, calcined clay) in 70% Sphagnum pest moss which received standard preplant fertilization. To avoid growth suppression, the kenaf must be enriched with nitrogen (soaked in NH4NO3 solution for 5 days). Impatiens and tomato bedding plant shoot growth was proportional to both the N concentration of the soak solution and the percentage of N-soaked kenaf in the medium. The N soak solution should be £ 2000 mg N/liter with 30% kenaf or £ 4000 mg N/liter with 10% kenaf. Physical properties (bulk density, total porosity, air porosity and container capacity) of kenaf media were similar to those of a commercial peat-lite. The optimal medium for bedding plant production was 70% pest + 15% calcined clay + 15% kenaf soaked in 2000 mg N/liter. The N-soaked kenaf served successfully both as a medium bulking component and as a slow-release N supply.

Download Full-text

Growth of Geranium Plants in Soilless Media Containing Sphagnum Peat and Anaerobic Digestion-Derived Biosolids

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.41.4.979c ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 979C-979 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michael Compton ◽

Timothy Zauche

Keyword(s):

Anaerobic Digestion ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Plant Production ◽

Growing Media ◽

Complete Replacement ◽

Soilless Media ◽

Sphagnum Peat ◽

Bedding Plant ◽

Normal Light ◽

Technology Foundation

Anaerobic digestion-derived biosolids (ADB) has the potential to become a complete or partial substitute for sphagnum peat in the greenhouse and nursery industry. Bedding plant production being one of the largest segments of the floriculture industry may possess the greatest application for this new organic addendum to soilless media. An experiment was conducted in which geraniums (Pelargonium ×hortorum `Red Elite') were grown in potting mixes formulated with vermiculite and perlite plus various concentrations and combination of anaerobic digestion-derived biosolids (ADB) and sphagnum peat to determine if ADB could be used as a partial or complete replacement for sphagnum peat in soilless horticultural growing media. Plants were grown during June and July 2003–05 in the greenhouse at 75 ± 5 °F and normal light and photoperiod. Plant growth was assessed by measuring the dry weight of stem tissue. Plants were harvested when at least 50% of the total number of plants produced at least one inflorescence. Floriferousness was measured by counting the number of visible inflorescences per plant. Dry weight of plants grown in media containing ADB was greater than those grown in media containing sphagnum peat as the sole organic addendum. Plants grown in media containing ADB were also more floriferous. This study demonstrates that ADB has great potential for use as an organic addendum to horticultural growing media as a partial or complete replacement for sphagnum peat. Use of anaerobic digester-derived biosolids in horticultural growing media is a protected intellectual property and available for license through the WiSys Technology Foundation.

Download Full-text

Greenhouse bedding plant production of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert) Bertoni

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/p96-166 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 77 (3) ◽

pp. 473-474 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

J. W. P. Carneiro ◽

A. S. Muniz ◽

T. A. Guedes

Keyword(s):

Key Words ◽

Stevia Rebaudiana ◽

Laying Hen ◽

Plant Production ◽

Growing Media ◽

Bedding Plant

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of 14 growing media on greenhouse bedding plant production of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert) Bertoni. The best mixture consisted of sand clay (LEd2) soil, laying hen manure (10% vol/vol), and lime. Key words: Natural sweetener, fertilizers, transplant production

Download Full-text

Phosphorus Fertilization in Ebb and Flow Production of Bedding Plants

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.33.3.523b ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 523b-523 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Erin James ◽

Marc van Iersel

Keyword(s):

Dry Mass ◽

Plant Production ◽

Phosphorus Fertilization ◽

Time Interval ◽

Nutrient Runoff ◽

Growing Period ◽

Bedding Plants ◽

Lack Of Information ◽

Bedding Plant ◽

Ebb And Flow

The quantity and quality of available water in the Southeastern United States continues to decline as demands on limited resources increase. Growers will soon be forced to comply with legal limitations on water consumption and limits on nutrient runoff from their operations. A lack of information on standard growing practices using alternative irrigation systems such as ebb and flow is hindering their acceptance and implementation. We are currently conducting a series of experiments to establish basic growing guidelines for the use of ebb and flow in the greenhouse in bedding plant production. In the third of these experiments, Petunia × hybrida Hort. Vilm.-Andr. `Blue Frost' and Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch. `Ambassador Scarlet' were grown for 5 weeks on ebb and flow tables with fertigation solutions (225 ppm N) containing three different levels of phosphorus (0, 50, and 100 ppm). Three soilless media were also used, which varied in their percentage content of vermiculite, perlite, pine bark and coconut coir. For both the begonias and petunias dry mass of the shoot was greatest in plants grown with higher levels of phosphorus. In comparison to plants grown with 0 ppm phosphorous, petunias and begonias grown with 50 or 100 ppm P were 44% and 25% greater in mass, respectively. However, begonias had 38% more flowers when fertigated with the higher levels of phosphorous while petunias flowered earlier with 0 ppm P fertigation solution. The electrical conductivity of the media did not change significantly over the course of the growing period, but the pH dropped by an average of 1 over the same time interval.

Download Full-text

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

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-87391-9 ◽

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.

Download Full-text