Author/Authors :
Mustafa، Ghulam نويسنده Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan , , Ali، Muhammad Arif نويسنده Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan , , Smith، Donald نويسنده Department of Plant Sciences, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, Raymond Building, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada , , Schwinghamer، Timothy نويسنده Department of Plant Sciences, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, Raymond Building, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada , , Lamont، John R نويسنده Department of Plant Science, University of Connecticut, 1376 Storrs Rd., Unit 4067, Storrs, CT 06269, USA , , Ahmed، Niaz نويسنده Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan , , Hussain، Sajjad نويسنده Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan , , Arshad، Muhammad نويسنده ,
Abstract :
Purpose
The demand for soilless media for veg-
etable transplant production is increasing. Economic con-
straints paired with concerns over the sustainability of peat
mining have necessitated the replacement of peat with
renewable and regionally abundant alternatives. The aim of
this study was to develop from composts complete or
partial substitutes for peat.
Methods
Composted guar (
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
),
jantar (
Sesbania aculeata
), wheat (
Triticum aestivum
)
straw, and rice (
Oryza sativa
) hulls adjusted to 10% air-
filled porosity (AFP) were blended on a volumetric basis
with peat moss at discrete levels (0–50%). Total water-
holding capacity, shrinkage, dry and wet bulk density, pH,
electrical conductivity, N, P, K, FE, B, and Zn concentra-
tions of each compost, their blends, and a peat control were
measured. The experimental media were used to grow
muskmelon (
Cucumis melo
) plants in a greenhouse. Seed
germination, shoot fresh weight, shoot height, leaf area,
stem diameter, root length, and mineral nutrient concen-
trations of transplants were quantified. After transplanting
in the field, the growth rates and yields were measured.
Nonparametric regression was used to analyze the data.
Results
The physiochemical parameters measured for most
of the experimental media fell within the recommended
range for growing media; however, pH for all media
exceeded the recommended range. Media-containing guar
and jantar composts generally contained more nutrients
than media-containing rice hull or wheat straw composts.
Fresh weight, height, and root length were generally
greater for seedlings grown in media-containing rice hull
compost than for those grown in media-containing other
composts. Seedlings grown in media-containing guar or
jantar composts generally had greater tissue nutrient
concentrations.
Conclusions
All blends produced acceptable seedlings;
however, the largest seedlings, and greatest post-transplant
growth rate and yield were produced in media containing
30–50% rice hull compost
