Author: Rafael Garcia-Prendes

Publisher:

Published: 2001

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

ABSTRACT (cont.): Results showed that the mixes, which produced higher plant dry weights, were mixes from the 0% compost to the 40% compost substitutions. The 60% compost mix produced the same plant dry weight as the mix used as a control (60% peat). There were no significant differences in the mixes for total porosity and air space. Bulk density increased with the amount of compost in the mix. Container capacity and moisture content decreased with increasing compost in the mix. Analysis of chemical properties showed that compost provided micronutrients in the sufficiency range. Diagnostic leaf tissue analysis did not revealed any deficiencies or toxicities to plants with the addition of compost. The third objective was to compare common nursery mixes that contained peat with mixes that had compost instead of peat. Physical properties tests revealed that all mixes were within the recommended range values, but compost provided more air space and bulk density but less container capacity and moisture content. Total porosity remained the same. Chemical properties tests showed that compost provided sufficient chemical elements compared with the peat mixes. The pH in peat-based mixes was too low for plant growth. Plant growth parameters showed dry weights were higher in compost mixes, and plant size was similar to those in peat mixes.