The Use of Composted Dairy Cow Manure as a Peat Moss Substitute in a Greenhouse Growing Substrate
The Use of Composted Dairy Cow Manure as a Peat Moss Substitute in a Greenhouse Growing Substrate

Author: Wesley Dean Bannister

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 86

ISBN-13:

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Nutrients in animal wastes from dairy operations can leach into surface water, causing eutrophication. This research aims to determine if compost can replace peat moss in greenhouse substrates. Bedding plants were grown in five mixes. 1) 100% compost, 2) 50% compost, 3) 50% peat moss, 4) 25% compost; 25% peat moss and 5) 100% peat moss. The plants were grown to marketable size and rated for marketability. They were dried, weighed and analyzed for nitrogen and phosphorus. Plants grown in mixes including compost had weights, and nutrient levels that were equal to or higher than those grown in peat moss. Conclusion: compost is a suitable substitute for peat moss in greenhouse substrates.

On-farm Composting Handbook
On-farm Composting Handbook

Author: Robert Rynk

Publisher:

Published: 1992

Total Pages: 186

ISBN-13: 9780935817195

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Benefits and drawbacks; The composing process; Raw materials; Composting methods; Composting operations; Management; Site and environmental considerations; Using compost; Marketing agricultural compost; Farm composting economics: focus on production costs; Other options for waste management and composting; Characteristics of raw materials; Equipment tables; Troubleshooting and management guide; Work sheets and forms; Environmental agencies; Metric conversions.

Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms
Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms

Author: Diego Cunha Zied

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2017-07-11

Total Pages: 604

ISBN-13: 1119149428

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Comprehensive and timely, Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms: Technology and Applications provides the most up to date information on the various edible mushrooms on the market. Compiling knowledge on their production, application and nutritional effects, chapters are dedicated to the cultivation of major species such as Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus subrufescens, Lentinula edodes, Ganoderma lucidum and others. With contributions from top researchers from around the world, topics covered include: Biodiversity and biotechnological applications Cultivation technologies Control of pests and diseases Current market overview Bioactive mechanisms of mushrooms Medicinal and nutritional properties Extensively illustrated with over 200 images, this is the perfect resource for researchers and professionals in the mushroom industry, food scientists and nutritionists, as well as academics and students of biology, agronomy, nutrition and medicine.

Evaluation of Dairy Manure Compost as a Peat Substitute in Potting Media for Container Grown Plants
Evaluation of Dairy Manure Compost as a Peat Substitute in Potting Media for Container Grown Plants

Author: Rafael Garcia-Prendes

Publisher:

Published: 2001

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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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.