The Study Effect of Particle Size and Rate of Zeolite in Media Amendment on Ficus bengamina Growth Indices
2007
Mahboub Khomami, Ali | Alireza, H. | Alipoor, R. | Hojatii, S. A.
In order to study the effects of particle size and rate of natural zeolite in pot media of Ficus benjamin growth indices, an experiment was carried out in Greenhouse of ornamental plant research station of Lahijan for two years (2003- 2004). A factorial complete block design with two sizes of zeolite (0.5- 3 mm and 3- 8mm), five levels (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) and four replications were used. The zeolite according to particle size and rate replaced instead of peat in peat + Perlite (2 : 1 volume percent) media and transferred to 4 liter volume pots. Every 10 day 200 cm3 nutrient solution applied which including of 130 mg/liter nitrogen, 32 mg/liter phosphorus and 117 mg/liter potash. The results showed that two size of zeolite in all applied rate in replacement of zeolite instead of peat + perlit media, had significantly (p = 0.05) in creased media Ca, Fe, Mn and pH in comparison with to control. The replacement of 10 - 30% zeolite instead of peat in peat+ perlit had no significant differences in shoot and fresh leaf weight, shoot and dry leaf weight, dry shoot weight and dry leaf weight in comprised with control plant. With respect to high price of peat moss for potting media, replacement of 10- 30% zeolite could be cause to decrease the cost of growth media with plant mass production nearly to control plant.
Показать больше [+] Меньше [-]