Alternative media types for seedling production of lettuce and basil
2011
Pantanella, E. | Danaher, J.J. | Rakocy, J.E. | Shultz, R.C. | Bailey, D.S.
Use of farm by-products is seen as an opportunity to achieve environmental-friendly productions and abate costs. In the aquaponic facility at the University of the Virgin Islands a consistent amount of fish wastes are reduced into a solid state. Good levels in nutrients suggest the use of this material as a substrate in lieu of traditional commercial growing mixes for seedling production. The objective of this research was to explore the characteristics of different blends of fish solids mixed with guinea grass (Panicum maximum) against a commercial peat-based substrate (ProMix) and coco-vermiculite mix in plant growth trials. The first growth trial assessed germination percentage and biomass of lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa ‘Cimmaron’). Different compost mix (80:20, 60:40, 40:60 blends in volume of fish solid to guinea grass) were compared against fertilized peat-based substrate (ProMix), coco-vermiculite mix with and without fertilization (control), 100% fish solids and a 1:1 mix of fish solids and sand. The second trial tested sweet basil plants (Ocimum basilicum ‘Spicy globe’) grown in pots with the same compost blends and fertilized soil (control). Results showed significant differences for plant growth (P<or=0.05) in both trials, suggesting the use of composted media for seedling production.
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