Root development of Thuja plicata in peat-substitute rooting media

In this study we investigated the potential usefulness of different substrates produced from gorse (Ulex europaeus L.) for propagating cuttings of Thuja plicata ‘Atrovirens’. The gorse was composted by different methods, to produce four types of compost. These composts were then used as such (100% compost) or in mixes with coarse sand and pine bark compost (25% compost, 25% coarse sand and 50% pine bark compost, v/v/v) to prepare eight different substrates. The substrates were compared in cutting propagation trials carried out in a greenhouse, with a standard rooting medium consisting of 25% Sphagnum peat moss, 25% coarse sand and 50% pine bark compost (v/v/v). Cuttings were taken from a garden hedge in March 2003, and comprised shoots of the previous year's growth. The bases of the cuttings were treated with a 0.4% solution of IBA rooting hormone, then inserted into cells filled with the corresponding substrate and placed on a propagation bench. Rooting percentage and visual rooting score were determined in July. The quality of roots was evaluated, as total root length and number of root tips, in July, September and November 2003, by use of a Delta-T Scan system. The rooting success of the cuttings ranged from 75% to 90%, except when the substrate comprised the pure composted gorse, obtained after the shorter period in an enclosed composting system with addition of fertilizer and reuse of leachates. Most of the cuttings in this substrate died and only 4% of the cuttings rooted successfully. Physicochemical characteristics of this rooting medium included very high electrical conductivity, low C/N ratio and high water retention. Addition of coarse sand and pine bark compost to the composted gorse significantly increased the rooting success. The root quality variables differed depending on the substrate considered and date of harvest. The results showed that substrates made from gorse compost are of potential use as a peat substitute for propagating cuttings of T. plicata ‘Atrovirens’. The physicochemical properties of the composted gorse should be determined before its use to establish whether it can be used pure as a substrate for rooting or whether it should be mixed with other substances.     

Evaluation and correction of nutrient availability to Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus in various compost-based growing media

Nutrient deficiencies usually constrain the use of some composted materials as peat-substitute growing media even if some fertilizer is applied to the media. In this work, we assessed the suitability of various composted materials as such or mixed with peat for potted plant production, with special emphasis on their effects on nutrient availability to plants. Further, we examined the effect of vivianite [Fe₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O] as a fertilizer and its mixture with humic substances (HS) on these growing media (particularly their effectiveness in preventing Fe deficiency chlorosis in alkaline substrates). A completely randomized experiment design was developed involving the growth of gerber (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus) and two factors, namely (i) the growing medium, specifically composted cork residue (C), compost obtained from a mixture of olive husk and cotton gin trash mixed with rice hulls and peat in a 1:1:1 volume proportion (OH), composted grape marc (GM), Sphagnum peat mixed with spent mushroom compost (M), coconut fibre (CF), and Sphagnum peat; and (ii) the Fe source (control without Fe, Fe-EDDHA, vivianite and vivianite + HS in a weight ratio of 10:1).     

基于有机废弃物资源化利用的红掌栽培基质研制及效应研究

采用椰纤、腐叶土、松针等有机废弃物与草炭进行红掌栽培基质配比,从基质理化性状及生物学性状方面,探讨不同基质配比对红掌中、小苗生长的影响。从经济性、实用性、节约资源、保护环境出发,优选出盆栽红掌适宜基质配方及适宜基质理化指标以替代进口基质。结果表明:以国产草炭(GC)为主要原料与椰纤、腐叶土、松针、陶粒等有机废弃物进行复配的基质配方完全可以替代进口泥炭。优选出红掌小苗基质配方2个:L2(GC 60%+椰纤40%);L5(GC 70%+腐叶土30%)。红掌中苗基质配方3个:B2(GC50%+椰纤50%),B5(GC 50%+松针50%),B8(GC 80%+大陶粒20%)。并确定了盆栽红掌基质适宜理化指标:容重0.24~0.26 g/cm3,总孔隙度60%~70%,气水比0.15~0.17,pH值5.5~6.5,EC值小于500μS/cm为宜。     

平菇培养料发酵度快速测定指标的建立

为建立平菇培养料发酵度的判定指标,选用以粉碎玉米芯小粒、中粒和大粒为主要原料配制的平菇培养料,分析了发酵过程中含水量、pH值和总碳、总氮、水溶性有机碳(DOC)、氨含量以及杂菌抑制物质含量的变化,以及栽培平菇的生产特性。结果表明,发酵过程中,3种培养料的pH值先降后升,含水量、总碳含量、C/N和DOC含量降低,氨含量先升后降,总氮升高。发酵结束,小粒DOC含量低于大粒,而氨含量和杂菌抑制物质含量高于大粒。培养料粒径越小,栽培平菇发菌期料温越低、染菌率越低、生物学效率越高。因此,发酵料栽培平菇宜采用小粒的粉碎玉米芯,发酵结束发酵料含水量为60%~67%、pH值为8.0~8.6、DOC(w)以低于12 g·kg^-1和氨含量(ρ)为发酵料渗出液中以氨检测试纸条测定值低于1350 mg·L^-1为宜。     

Morpho-physiological plant quality when biochar and vermicompost are used as growing media replacement in urban horticulture

Peat moss is the most used soilless substrate in the production of container plants in floriculture. Nevertheless, the drainage of peat bogs due to the peat extraction has increased the necessity of seeking products that could replace the peat that is used in plant production. Therefore, a comparative study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a biochar (B) - vermicompost (V) mixture, as a partial substitute for peat-based substrates, on the morpho-physiological characteristics of ornamental plants. Different blends containing B and V were compared to a baseline peat-based substrate (S) as control in the cultivation of two ornamental bedding plant species that are widely used in urban areas: geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) and petunia (Petunia hybrida). Plant growth and physiological parameters were assessed. Results showed that it is possible to grow container plants of these two species with commercial quality, using a peat-based substrate mixed with biochar and/or vermicompost (up to 30% V and 12% B). Plants in these substrates showed a similar or enhanced physiological response to those grown in the control using commercial peat-based substrate.     

不同基质对越橘生长发育和叶片光合特性的影响

以二年生"都克"越橘苗木为试材,采用CIRS-2便携式光合仪测定光合指标与LA2400扫描仪扫描根系的方法,研究了不同栽培基质对越橘生长发育和光合作用的影响,以期筛选出越橘基质栽培中最佳配比。结果表明:在泥炭藓∶草炭∶珍珠岩=2∶1∶1、椰糠∶草炭∶珍珠岩=2∶1∶1、苔藓∶草炭∶珍珠岩=2∶1∶1这3种基质下植株生长发育较好,光合作用较强,其中泥炭藓∶草炭∶珍珠岩=2∶1∶1基质效果最好;秸秆∶草炭∶珍珠岩=2∶1∶1、松针∶草炭∶珍珠岩=2∶1∶1效果较差,植株生长发育不良。     

蚓粪复合基质对康乃馨育苗及其生长的影响

以蚓粪、椰糠、泥炭、珍珠岩、蛭石为原料,按不同比例混合,研究其对康乃馨出苗率、株高、茎粗、叶长、叶片数、分支数、地上部干重、地下部干重、根冠比、壮苗指数等生长指标的影响,筛选出最佳基质配方.结果表明:椰糠和蚯蚓粪明显地促进康乃馨的生长发育,以60％蚓粪+10％椰糠+30％混合矿物(珍珠岩:蛭石=1∶1)处理综合效果最理想,最有利于康乃馨形成壮苗.所得到的复合基质的容重、总孔隙度、毛管持水量、通气孔隙度和pH均符合育苗基质的要求.     

不同栽培基质对西甜瓜果实品质的影响

以泥炭和椰糠为栽培基质,研究了西甜瓜果实的品质差异。结果表明:泥炭栽培中西甜瓜的外观品质更优,但是椰糠栽培中果实的心糖和蔗糖含量高,且酯类物质(甜瓜果实的特征香气)含量高,而醛类物质(西瓜果实的特征香气)含量则在泥炭栽培中更高。说明采用椰糠栽培可在一定程度上提高西甜瓜的果实品质。     

东方百合品种‘西伯利亚’切花生产中替代泥炭的基质研究

以东方百合品种‘西伯利亚’（‘Siberia’）为试材,研究了在混配基质中用麦秆、玉米秆、椰糠、菇渣、豆荚等5种有机废弃物替代泥炭作为栽培基质的可行性。结果表明,5份泥炭︰2份珍珠岩︰1份蛭石︰2份麦秆、4份泥炭︰2份珍珠岩︰1份沙子︰3份玉米秆、2份珍珠岩︰2份蛭石︰3份椰糠︰3份沙子（均为体积比）等3种混配基质的各项理化指标均在无土栽培基质的理想范围内,用其栽培的百合,生长发育综合表现优于目前生产上常用的含70%泥炭的基质,其中又以4份泥炭︰2份珍珠岩︰1份沙子︰3份玉米秆的基质最优。     

Effects of conifer wood biochar as a substrate component on ornamental performance,photosynthetic activity,and mineral composition of potted Rosa rugosa

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the performance of biochar obtained from pyrolysis of conifer wood as a substrate component for growing potted Rosa rugosa plants. Rose plants were grown with different mixtures of sphagnum peat and biochar (100% peat, 75% peat–25% biochar, 50% peat–50% biochar, 25% peat–75% biochar; v:v). Increasing the biochar content from 25% to 75% increased the air content, bulk density, electrical conductivity, and K and Na concentration in the substrates. The addition of 25% biochar to the substrate showed promising potential for R. rugosa when compared with 100% peat given the similar growth performance, water-use efficiency, and ornamental quality (number of flowers and leaf colour). The Ca and Na concentrations in leaves and roots as well as the Mg content in roots increased as the biochar percentage in the substrate increased, whereas an opposite trend was observed for P and K concentrations. The best performance and ornamental quality of R. rugosa grown with 100% peat and 75% peat–25% biochar compared with 50 and 75% biochar treatments were attributed to a higher degree of photosynthesis, Soil Plant Analysis Development index, and pigment content. Overall, adding 25% of conifer wood biochar as a substrate component could be applied for economic purposes without detrimental effects on the yield and quality of potted roses.     

小麦秸秆复合基质对番茄幼苗生长发育的影响

为了充分利用农业废弃物小麦秸秆,进行草炭替代性育苗基质原料的研发,实现农业资源循环化利用和生态可持续发展。以番茄‘毛粉802’为材料,通过小麦秸秆腐熟物、草炭、蛭石和珍珠岩4种基质原料及1种生物菌肥进行不同体积配比处理,研究不同配比的小麦秸秆复合基质对番茄幼苗生长指标、叶片色素及荧光指标、幼苗叶片理化性质指标、基质生物指标和理化性质的影响,探究适合番茄幼苗生长的小麦秸秆复合育苗基质配方。利用灰色关联法对19项指标进行综合分析。结果表明,V腐熟小麦秸秆∶V蛭石∶V珍珠岩∶V生物菌肥=6∶2.5∶1∶0.5番茄幼苗表现最好,而番茄幼苗在纯小麦秸秆腐熟物上的生长量远远低于其他处理,番茄幼苗的表现最差。     

Influence of paclobutrazol and substrate on daily evapotranspiration of potted geranium

The application of plant growth regulators and the use of different culture media are common practices in potted ornamental crops. We report the results of a study to evaluate the effect of two substrates (peat moss or coconut fiber) and spraying 30 ppm paclobutrazol (PAC) on water resource management of zonal geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum L.H. Bailey) seedlings growing in a greenhouse during spring–summer. Growth, water consumption, leaching, evapotranspiration rate (ET), water use efficiency (WUE) and leaf water potential were determined. Plant growth was greater in peat moss (peat) than in coconut fiber (coconut), while the use of PAC decreased plant growth in both substrates, although more markedly in peat. Coconut produced a higher leaching fraction than peat in both PAC-treated plants and non-treated plants, although PAC application increased the leaching fraction in both substrates. Water consumption was lower in coconut than in peat and decreased in response to PAC. Peat was more effective at improving the water-use efficiency and increased the electrical conductivity in the leachate, while PAC decreased the latter in this same substrate. Daily ET showed a maximum of 200 mL/pot in peat and a minimum of 60 mL/pot in the coconut-PAC treatment. During the experimental period, accumulated ET values were higher in peat than in coconut, while the application of PAC reduced the value in peat but increased it in coconut. The evolution of ET per hour during the day showed that the highest rate (23 mL/h) was registered at midday in peat, while about 90% of ET occurred between 10 and 18 h in all treatments. When a cycle of water stress and recovery was applied, the peat induced the highest ET values of all treatments during the first days of drought, but the lowest ET after a week of drought. PAC modified this response, favoring a more balanced behavior of ET, although after the second cycle of drought this effect disappeared. Based on these results, the best strategy in normal irrigation conditions would be to use coconut fiber and not apply PAC, because this provides plants of excellent commercial quality with low water consumption. In plants at moderate water deficit PAC played a more important role than the substrate, improving the water status of plants with both substrates used. However, in the face of severe water stress the effect of PAC disappeared and peat acted as a better substrate than coconut fiber.     

不同基质配比对欧洲报春观赏品质的影响

以欧洲报春"丹诺娃"为试材,以蛭石、珍珠岩、炭化稻壳和草炭及回笼土为基质成分,研究了不同基质理化性质对报春花观赏品质的影响。结果表明:7个指标中,基质2和基质3与基质1差异极显著;就叶片数而言,基质3与基质2有显著差异,但与基质1差异极显著;叶长、叶宽等5个指标在3种基质间的平均值呈基质2基质3基质1变化,而叶片数和花朵数在3种基质中呈基质3基质2基质1的变化。     

Effects of artificial amendments in potting media on Orthosiphon aristatus growth and development

Artificial polyacrylamide gel (PAG) and urea-formaldehyde resin foam (UFRF) amendments are used for putative enhancement of soil physical properties, including increasing their water holding capacity (WHC). Effects were investigated of these two amendments alone and combined on growth and development of Orthosiphon aristatus (Cats’ Whiskers) grown in either composted pine bark or washed river sand, including under transient water deficit stress. UFRF and PAG were incorporated into these potting media substrates at recommended rates of 30% (v/v) and 0.1% (w/w), respectively. UFRF incorporation reduced bulk density and increased air-filled porosity of composted pine bark from 0.24 g cm⁻³ and 43.3% to 0.18 g cm⁻³ and 50.2%, respectively. UFRF also reduced bulk density of sand from 1.43 g cm⁻³ to 1.17 g cm⁻³ and increased its air-filled porosity from 18.5% to 25.3%. PAG slightly decreased bulk density of composted pine bark to 0.23 g cm⁻³ and also reduced sand bulk density to 1.32 g cm⁻³. Water content of composted pine bark and sand was increased by PAG addition from 47.6% and 27.7% to 51.0% and 34.2%, respectively. However, UFRF and/or PAG did not increase plant available water (PAW) in either composted pine bark or sand. PAW was 23.8% and 14.4%, 23.6% and 15.8%, 22.8% and 14.8%, and 25.2% and 17.8% for composted pine bark and sand controls, these two substrates amended with UFRF, these substrates amended with PAG, and these substrates with UFRF plus PAG, respectively. Neither shoot length nor number was increased by adding UFRF and/or PAG. Similarly, neither shoot fresh nor dry weight was increased by UFRF and/or PAG amendments. UFRF and, moreso, UFRF plus PAG slightly delayed the onset of wilting by 4–15 h in water deficit stressed O. aristatus compared to control and PAG alone in composted pine bark (experiment 1), but PAG did not. However, in experiment 2, UFRF and/or PAG did not delay wilting in either composted pine bark or sand. Thus, when incorporated at suppliers recommended rates, neither UFRF nor PAG conferred appreciable benefits for O. aristatus plant growth in either composted pine bark or sand potting media.     

造纸污泥为主料的复合基质对黄瓜育苗效果的影响

以黄瓜品种中农26号为试验材料,以传统的草炭、蛭石混合基质作为对照,将造纸污泥、中药渣及香蕉茎叶残体按不同配比混合堆肥处理后,研究不同配比基质的理化性质及其对黄瓜育苗效果的影响。结果表明:造纸污泥复合基质总体符合育苗基质的要求,其中T5处理(造纸污泥∶香蕉茎叶残体=1V∶1V)的复合基质培育的黄瓜幼苗的壮苗指数最高,生长效果最好。且除株高外,出苗率、茎粗、叶片数、叶绿素、干鲜质量、根冠比、G值等各项生理指标均与对照(草炭∶蛭石=2V∶1 V)无显著差异,可以作为黄瓜育苗基质使用。     

Vegetation establishment on ‘Green Walls’: Integrating shotcrete walls from road construction into the landscape

The establishment of a sustainable vegetation layer on shotcrete walls subjected to road environment represents enormous challenges. High inclination of almost 90°, the exposed position of the walls near streets as well as lack of soil and water supply pose major limiting conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of an innovative greening technology for vertical structures in terms of vegetation development on varying plant substrates and geotextiles.The field experiment included testing three plant substrates on basis of nearby rocky excavation material (‘Innsbrucker Quarzphyllit’, ‘Bündnerschiefer’ and ‘Zentralgneis’) combined with compost. Additionally, five geotextiles (geogrid (3x4 mm), geogrid (9x10 mm), coir net, coir mat, geo mat) were applied for assessment. All test combinations were evaluated regarding vegetation cover, species composition, and biomass production from 2015 to 2016. Analyses of chemical properties were conducted for all plant substrates.Results showed highest vegetation cover ratio on ‘Bündnerschiefer’ and ‘Innsbrucker Quarzphyllit’, which can be explained by the favorable mineral composition (nutrient storage capacity) and chemical properties of compost (lower values of electrical conductivity and C/N ratio).In conclusion, the use of ‘Green Walls’ filled with ‘Bündnerschiefer’ or ‘Innsbrucker Quarzphyllit’ plant substrate in combination with netlike geotextiles like geogrid or coir net proved best. They are promising in terms of establishing an optimal vegetation cover on vertical structures and are well suited for integrating shotcrete walls into the landscape. The use of local excavation material for greening purposes thus can be confirmed. Though, the use of high-quality compost is crucial.     

Comparative effects of bark and peat based composts on the occurrence of vine weevil larvae and the growth of containerized polyanthus

A series of experiments was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion of bark in potting composts on the numbers of vine weevil larvae on polyanthus plants. In 1989 more larvae were recovered from plants grown in peat compost than those grown in bark but these results were reversed when the study was repeated in 1990. Numbers of larvae also increased with higher ratios of bark:peat in composts but declined as the size fraction of bark used increased. The degree to which bark was composted did not appear to materially affect the numbers of vine weevil recovered. A strong, positive, relationship between larval numbers and foliage dry weight was found. Similarly, larval numbers were bigger with greater root development in bark composts. The results are discussed and it is suggested that the use of bark may promote more vigorous growth in polyanthus and thus enable plants to support more larvae.     

Importance of different components of green roof substrate on plant growth and physiological performance

Green roof substrate is arguably the most important element of a green roof, providing water, nutrients and physical support to plants. Despite this there has been a lack of research into the role that different substrate components have on green roof plant growth and physiological performance.To address this, we assessed the importance of three green roof substrate components (organic matter type, brick particle size and water absorbent additive) for plant growth and plant physiological performance. Lolium perenne (Ryegrass) was grown in eight substrates in a controlled greenhouse environment with a factorial design in composition of (i) small or large brick, (ii) conifer bark or green waste compost organic matter, and (iii) presence/absence of polyacrylamide water absorbent gel (‘SwellGel?’).We found that large brick substrates had a lower water holding capacity than small brick (?35%), which led to decreased shoot growth (?17%) and increased root:shoot ratio (+16%). Green waste compost increased shoot and root growth (+32% and +13%) shoot nitrogen concentration and chlorophyll content (20% and 57%), and decreased root:shoot ratio (?15%) compared to bark. The addition of swell gel increased substrate water holding capacity (+24%), which increased shoot growth (+8%). Total evapotranspiration (a proxy for potential cooling) was increased by greater shoot biomass and substrate water holding capacity. Overall, this study provides one of the first quantitative assessments of the relative importance of commonly used green roof substrate components. It is clear that substrate composition should be considered carefully when designing green roofs, and substrate composition can be tailored for green roof service provision.     

Use of organic agricultural wastes as growing media for the production of Anthurium andraeanum ‘Pink Lady’

Summary

The conventional organic growing medium used for anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) production is peat. Quality peat, however, is costly and is a non-renewable natural resource. The current study compared the suitability of using charred and composted organic agricultural wastes (OAW) vs. sphagnum peat as components of various growth media for the ornamental plant, anthurium (A. andraeanum ‘Pink Lady’). Ten different media were prepared from composted corn cobs (C), charred corn cobs (CC), charred garden waste (CG), and Pindstrup? sphagnum peat moss (P) in various proportions. The media contained [on a % (v/v) basis]: C (100%), CC (100%), CG (100%), C (70%) + CG (30%), CC (70%) + CG (30%), C (35%) + CG (15%) + P (50%), CC (50%) + P (50%), CC (35%) + CG (15%) + P (50%), C (50%) + P (50%), or P (100%) as a control. After 15 months in a greenhouse, the growth and flowering of transplanted anthurium plants were optimal using P, CC+P, or CC+CG+P.These results indicate that mixing charred OAW with peat could provide a suitable medium for anthurium production, thereby reducing the need for peat and converting agricultural waste material into useful products.     

除草剂污染堆肥用量对黄瓜生物有效性的影响

化学除草已成为确保现代农业生产不可或缺的技术，但因除草剂会在非靶标植物中残留，进
而导致堆肥和有机肥料产品被除草剂污染，为避免堆肥及其产品在不合理应用时对后茬植物的生长产生不
良影响，造成不可挽回的损失，本试验采用市售基质、普通堆肥和受除草剂污染的堆肥为试材，设置无污
染堆肥处理（C1）、氯氨吡啶酸污染堆肥处理（C2）和二氯吡啶酸污染堆肥处理（C3）3 个处理，在0、5%、
10% 和20% 堆肥不同用量条件下，以黄瓜的出苗率和播种后45 d 时植株的节间距、株高、茎粗、植株干质量、
叶片数、叶面积、叶片卷曲情况和壮苗指数为评价指标。结果表明，受除草剂污染的堆肥对黄瓜种子的萌
发有抑制作用，且堆肥用量越大，出苗率越低，而且黄瓜幼苗表现出严重的除草剂药害症状，植株纤弱，
叶片狭小、卷曲。两种除草剂污染堆肥对黄瓜的影响呈现不同的规律，在堆肥用量相同的条件下，氯氨吡
啶酸比二氯吡啶酸对黄瓜的药害严重，这表明越高效的除草剂随堆肥或有机肥的施用对后茬敏感植物的药
害风险越大。