Growth of Viburnum tinus in peat-based and peat-substitute growing media

To assess the growth of ornamental shrubs in peat alternative substrates, one ornamental species, Viburnum tinus L., was cultivated in a number of different substrates in two climates: a French oceanic (Oce) and a Spanish Mediterranean (Med). In Oce, three mixtures (1/1, v/v) of Finnish peat/yard compost, yard compost/raw coir and Finnish peat/raw coir were used while the expanded perlite/composted manure (1/1), forest compost/composted bark (1/1) and forest compost/cattle manure compost (2/3) were tested in Med. A mixture (1/1) of Finnish peat/pine bark compost was used in both climates as a control. Plants were cultivated at a density of six plants/m² in 4 l containers with drip irrigation. Plant height, dry mass, and leaf area were measured at intervals during cultivation. In Oce, substrates with yard compost or raw coir produced plants of similar size to those in the control substrate. In Med, forest compost/cattle manure compost mixture produced plants with the same height as those in the control mixture and the two other mixtures produced shorter plants. In both climates, substrates ranked the same whether height, dry mass or leaf area were considered. Using those parameters, significant effects of different substrates were revealed. Those effects are related to the substrate characteristics, mainly physical ones. As peat is used in a large range of situations, the experiment showed that substrate performance varies with its use, so alternative substrates can show better performance than those using peat.     

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.     

Composted sewage sludge and steel mill slag as potential amendments for urban soils involved in afforestation programs

This study aimed to assess the impacts of composted sewage sludge and steel mill slag on urban soil fertility and tree growth. The research was conducted in an urban area (Botucatu, State of São Paulo, Brazil) characterised by extremely unfertile urban soils and with high production of these wastes. Plant growth, soil physico-chemical properties, and chemical composition of leafs were analysed during a 12-month field experiment. Principal factor analysis (PFA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were applied in the evaluation of the investigated soil-plant system. The results showed that soil fertility was increased by the combination of applied waste materials, which provided good conditions for full plant development and maintenance. PFA showed that the variability of the investigated model was mainly due to the role of soil organic matter as source/sink of soil heavy metals. CCA showed that the investigated soil-plant system was characterised by time-dependent evolution, with an equilibrium reached during the final stages, suggesting that the obtained results may be realistic from a long-term perspective. This study provides evidence that composted sewage sludge and steel mill slag are acceptable alternatives for improving urban soil quality and tree growth. The reuse of these wastes could provide a low-cost alternative for their complex and expensive management and disposal with, additionally, the possibility of turning currently bulky refuse material into a commodity.     

Compost addition,but not tillage,affects establishment of urban highway plantings

Establishment of roadside plantings is often limited by adverse site conditions, particularly poor soil physical and chemical properties. We compared plant establishment of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and grasses in response to addition of compost and/or tillage before planting in replicated plots at two locations along an interstate highway near Detroit, MI, USA. Plots at each location received one of four site preparation treatments: control (no treatment), compost only (top-dressed with 8 cm of municipal compost), tillage only (soil tilled to 20 cm) or compost + tillage (8 cm of compost added and tilled to 20 cm). Within each site preparation plot, we established sub-plots of 16 selections of shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses. Compost addition, plant selection, and location affected (P ≤ 0.05) plant survival, height growth, and % plant cover two years after planting. Tillage did not affect (P > 0.05) plant establishment. Similarly, the interaction of tillage × compost was not significant, indicating that surface application of compost was as effective as tilling compost into the soil. Improved plant establishment with the addition of compost was associated with improved soil and plant nutrition and reduced soil pH and soil bulk density. Within each plant group (i.e., shrubs, perennials, grasses) plant establishment varied widely. Overall, the results indicate that compost addition can improve establishment of diverse roadside plantings, which was associated with improved soil fertility. In contrast, tillage provided comparatively little benefit to plant performance in this trial.     

松杉树皮和玉米秸秆堆肥对番茄根结线虫病的防治及土壤微生物的影响

日光温室栽培条件下,通过盆栽试验研究了松杉树皮、玉米秸秆堆肥对番茄的生长、产量、根结线虫发病情况及土壤微生物的影响。结果表明,松杉树皮、玉米秸秆堆肥对番茄根结线虫病具有一定的防治效果,以松杉树皮、玉米秸秆堆肥混施效果最好,同时各种堆肥的施用均增加了番茄的生物量及土壤微生物数量。通过相关性分析得知,根结线虫与土壤微生物数量存在显著负相关,说明土壤微生物群落的多样性对根结线虫病的发生产生了抑制作用。     

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.     

Research on the horizontal reduction effect of urban roadside green belt on atmospheric particulate matter in a semi-arid area

In this study, the horizontal abatement effects of green belts on atmospheric particulate matter at different horizontal distances and plant community structures were investigated in urban roadside green belts in semi-arid areas.We collected mass concentrations of six types of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) per unit time of PM_0.3, PM_0.5, PM_1.0, PM_2.5, PM_5.0, and PM₁₀ and various meteorological indices, to compare the horizontal reduction efficiency of different distances and plant community structures on different particle sizes, and to establish a support vector machine model. The results showed that 1) the horizontal abatement efficiency of green belts was different for six particle sizes, while the horizontal abatement rate strengthened as the particle size increased. The abatement rate was significantly correlated with microclimatic factors such as temperature and humidity, but less correlated with wind speed. 2) The horizontal abatement rate of roadside green belts on atmospheric particulate matter varies with the increase of horizontal distance in a "single-peak" or "double-peak" pattern, with the best abatement effect of green belts on each particle size at a horizontal distance of 45m. Among the four types of plant community structures, the strongest abatement ability was in the arbor-shrub-herb structure. 3) The correctly tuned prediction model, based on Support Vector Machines, resulted in better horizontal abatement ability of green belts on atmospheric PM. The prediction results showed that the average horizontal abatement rate has the best abatement effect at 45–55 m, peaked at 50 m, and formed stagnant dust at 65 m. In the design of urban road green spaces in semi-arid areas, to achieve the best dust retention effect, the green belt width should be ≥40 m and it is desirable to choose arbor-shrub-herb structures. This study provides a design basis and theoretical support for urban road green space planning in semi-arid areas.     

Effects of urea formaldehyde foam soil amendment on growth and response to transient water deficit stress of potted Flindersia schottiana saplings

Hydrocell™is a urea formaldehyde resin foam (UFRF) product used as a soil amendment. It is proposed to improve the physicochemical properties (viz. water relations and aeration) of the plant root zone. Flindersia schottiana is a tree species used in the ornamental horticulture industry. This study investigated the potential of Hydrocell™ [0–50% (v/v) incorporation rates] to promote growth of F. schottiana saplings during containerized nursery production in composted pine bark medium. The growth response of the potted saplings to transient water stress was also assessed. In addition, growth of F. schottiana saplings potted into three different soil types (sand, loam, clay) was assessed in the presence and absence of 30% (v/v) Hydrocell™. Under well-watered conditions in composted pine bark, Hydrocell™ treatments enhanced sapling leaflet numbers, with 30% (v/v) being the most beneficial treatment. However, no consistent significant differential effects of incorporation rate on either plant height or stem diameter were recorded. Extended time to wilting upon withholding irrigation was achieved, with the optimum Hydrocell™ rate being 10% (v/v). Among the three soil types compared, use of 30% (v/v) Hydrocell™ resulted in improved growth of potted F. schottiana saplings in the sand and loam soils, but not in the clay soil. These findings suggest that the UFRF, Hydrocell™, holds limited promise as a soil amendment for trees in the nursery phase. Optimum incorporation rates (v/v) would need to be determined for individual media types, specific irrigation regimes and individual taxa.     

Application rate and plant species affect the ecological safety of sewage sludge as a landscape soil amendment

Recycling sludge as a soil amendment has become a viable option for sludge disposal. However, such application can lead to soil pollution because of its enrichment in contaminants, especially heavy metals. To identify an effective means to ensure the ecological safety of sewage sludge landscape utilization, a glasshouse experiment was conducted by mixing sewage sludge at 0%, 15%, 30%, 60%, and 100% (V/V) amendment ratios to landscape soils and planting five common landscape plants (Aphelandra ruellia, Syngonium podophyllum, Schefflera odorata, Alocasia macrorrhiza, and Dianella ensifolia). Sludge amendment significantly improved fertility and moisture retention capacity of soil, but dramatically increased the contents of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn. Compared with lateritic red soil (CK), sludge amended-soils increased the relative growth rate of landscape plants and enhanced their nutrient uptake and heavy metals accumulation. A rate of 30% or less of sludge application showed positive growth effects for all five landscape plants, and did not cause potential ecological risks of heavy metals to landscape soils. However, rates of 60% or higher posed very high potential ecological risk in multiple metals, particularly in Cd. Interestingly, S. odorata, A. ruellia and A. macrorrhiza could alleviate the ecological risks of Cd, Cu and Zn, respectively, and these results were confirmed by data of relative changes in heavy metal contents in post-experiment soil. Our results suggest that attention to reducing the environmental risks of heavy metals in sludge utilization as landscape soil-amendments should not only be paid to controlling the application dosage of sludge but also to planting suitable plant species.     

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).     

The significance of thermophilic fungi in mushroom compost preparation

When mixtures of wheat straw and organic nitrogen supplements were composted at 40° C in a simple small-scale, 1-phase composting system, initial inoculation with several species of thermophilic fungi resulted in a large improvement in the suitability of the composts for the cultivated mushroom. Ammonia levels fell rapidly and the ability of the composts to support competitor fungi was reduced. The species Torula thermophila, Cooney and Emerson, was particularly effective in bringing about these changes, and showed considerable potential as a rapid-composting organism. Composting was also accelerated by using a supplement such as sewage sludge, which had a low potential for producing ammonia. The inoculation of thermophilic fungi into conventional mushroom compost at the start of Phase II had little beneficial effect, probably because an adequate microflora of suitable composting organisms, including thermophilic fungi, was already present. If this microflora was first severely reduced, then a large effect from inoculating thermophilic fungi could be demonstrated. The results also indicated that the toxicity of ammonia to micro-organisms other than the mushroom could be an important feature of mushroom composting.     

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。     

Characterisation of apple replant disease under South African conditions and potential biological management strategies

A possible biological origin of apple replant disease (ARD) in South Africa was investigated. Elements responsible for stunted growth and root discolouration could not be reduced to a level having no negative effect on apple seedlings by dilution of the original ARD field soils, with increased proportions of fumigated soil, from 100% to 25%. Pythium, Fusarium and Cylindrocarpon spp. were consistently isolated from all replant soils forming part of this study and Rhizoctonia spp. to a lesser degree, indicating that these fungi may play a role in ARD etiology in South Africa. Further research is needed, since identifications were not made to species level and no pathogenicity tests were performed. Nematodes implicated in ARD were inconsistently associated with the ARD soils tested, indicating only a secondary role. Furthermore, studies were conducted to investigate more environmentally friendly disease control alternatives to replace methyl bromide in ARD management. Applications of compost and compost extracts were identified as promising, practical tools for managing ARD, especially under the marginal production conditions of South African apple producing regions. In pot trials, the application of compost, as well as sterilised and unsterilised compost extracts, significantly increased growth of apple seedlings in ARD soils. Although results varied with addition of a slow release fertiliser, compost and compost extracts still significantly increased seedling growth parameters for several of the ARD soils tested, suggesting that they can ameliorate the effects of ARD, in addition to supplying nutrients. Three field trials were conducted in commercial orchards to verify pot trial results and to compare the impact of organic amendments on ARD severity with the standard fumigation control methods. Compost and mulch consistently increased shoot growth to the same or greater extent as the standard chemical treatments, for the 2-year trial period.     

Effects of different organic apple production systems on seasonal nutrient variations of soil and leaf

An organic apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) orchard was established to study the interaction effects of ground cover management systems (GMS) and nutrient sources (NS) on soil and tree nutrients in the Southern U.S.A. GMS mulches as follows: green compost (GC), wood chips (WC), shredded paper (SP), and mow-and-blow (MB). Across GMS, one of three NS treatments was applied: commercial organic fertilizer (CF), poultry litter (PL), and no fertilizer (NF). GC-treated plots had greater soil solution nitrate concentrations in year 3. GC plots also maintained greater seasonal soil organic matter and macronutrient concentrations during 3 years compared with the other GMS. Seasonal foliar nutrient concentrations grown under GMS in year 3 tended to follow nutrient concentration patterns similar to those observed in conventional apple orchards. GC and WC trees had overall greater leaf area, dry weight, and total foliar nutrient contents in year 3 than the SP and MB trees.     

Sewage sludge and refuse composts as peat alternatives for conditioning impoverished soils: Effects on the growth response and mineral status of Petunia grandiflora

A glasshouse pot experiment is described comparing the growth reponse, nutritional , status and heavy metal content of Petunia grandiflora in an impoverished acid sandy soil amended with peat or composted sewage sludges and refuse. The composts consistently out-performed peat as soil améliorants because of greater nutrient availability. However, results indicated that rates of application of composts to soil should be adjusted according to the conductivity of the applied material and the salt tolerance characteristics of the plant species to be grown to avoid detrimental effects on plant growth. There were no phytotoxic effects on plant growth due to contamination of the composts with heavy metals irrespective of the level of incorporation into soil, indicating that proposed lower metal limits for composts compared with sewage sludge would be unnecessarily restrictive to compost use. Composted sewage sludges and refuse are shown to have considerable potential for use in the amenity and landscape industry for improving impoverished soils.     

Aesthetic growth of a native tree species with desirable characteristics for urban green areas in arid and semiarid environments

Having an aesthetic form is one of the desirable aspects of trees used to create or reforest urban green areas, which is often achieved by procedures that require a great effort. The understanding of factors affecting the architecture of plants in natural conditions may be useful to promote a desirable shape during the growth process. Under the hypothesis that trees in high luminosity conditions have a more aesthetical growth, in this study we explore the relationship between plant shape and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in Bursera fagaroides, a characteristic species of the tropical dry forest and xerophytic shrub-lands useful for urban green areas in semiarid environments. To evaluate trees shape we calculate a symmetry index (I_S) by using two diameters of the crown, perpendicular to each other, and the total height. Measurements were made over three periods (before, during and after the growth period); and PAR was also measured for each tree. Linear regressions were used to analyze the relationship between the symmetry of trees and PAR received during the growth period. The post-growth symmetry of trees showed a positive relationship with the PAR received by trees during the growth period, suggesting that PAR effects can be harnessed to develop post-germination strategies for the production of trees with a more aesthetical growth in the studied species. Effect of PAR on the shape of plants may represent a practical option to promote aesthetical growth of trees and shrubs with importance for creation and restoration of urban green areas.     

A comparison of the application of different waste products to a lettuce crop: Effects on plant and soil properties

A romaine-type lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was cultivated during three successive crop seasons in an agricultural land near the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) of Alcázar de San Juan. Four fertilization treatments were compared, including: two different organic fertilizer treatments consisting of (i) air-dried sewage sludge (SS), and (ii) municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), (iii) an inorganic treatment of commercial fertilizer (FER), and (iv) a control treatment in which no fertilizer was applied (CONT). The highest yield was observed in the SS treatment in all crop seasons. In the organic treatment plots there was an increase in macronutrients and organic matter in the soil. An accumulation of heavy metals in the soil was not observed but there was an increase in microbial population in the organic treatment plot, especially in the SS treatment plot. In plant tissue, the continued addition of fertilizers did not produce an accumulative effect of macro- and micronutrients. Low heavy metal content (Cr, Cd, Pb and Hg) was observed in all treatments and crop seasons. Microbiological content was more numerous in the first crop season in SS-treated plants, mainly in lettuce leaves but also in the soil.     

Factors driving natural regeneration beneath a planted urban forest

Cities around the world are investing in urban forest plantings as a form of green infrastructure. The aim is that these plantations will develop into naturally-regenerating native forest stands. However, woody plant recruitment is often cited as the most limiting factor to creating self-sustaining urban forests. As such, there is interest in site treatments that promote recruitment of native woody species and simultaneously suppress woody non-native recruitment. We tested how three, common site treatments—compost, nurse shrubs, and tree species composition (six-species vs. two-species)—affected woody plant recruitment in 54 experimental plots beneath a large-scale tree planting within a high-traffic urban park. We identified naturally regenerating seedling and sapling species and measured their abundance six-years after the site was planted. This enabled us to examine initial recruitment dynamics (i.e. seedlings) and gain a better understanding of seedling success as they transition to the midstory (i.e. saplings). Seedling and sapling recruitment (native and total) was greater in areas with higher canopy cover. The combination of the nurse shrub treatment with compost and species composition (six-species) treatments increased seedling recruitment by 47% and 156%, respectively; however, the nurse shrub treatment by itself decreased seedling recruitment by 5% and native seedling recruitment by 35%. The compost treatment alone had no effect on the total number of recruits but resulted in 76% more non-native seedlings. The sizes of these treatment effects were strongly dependent on whether the forest plantings were in open areas, versus areas with existing tree canopy, the latter condition facilitating recruitment. Our findings therefore suggest that combinations of site treatments, paired with broad canopy tree species, may be most effective for promoting regeneration of native species resulting in more self-sustaining urban forests.     

基于生活污泥堆肥在菊花栽培上的应用

污泥堆肥中含有大量有机质和营养元素,具有在花卉栽培上运用的潜力。文章以菊花为例,为降低菊花栽培成本并开发新型栽培基质,通过对生活污泥堆肥在菊花栽培基质配方试验中的应用分析,结果表明：污泥堆肥具有在菊花生产上使用的前景和潜力,能减少肥料施用,降低成本,同时也为生活污泥处置困难的问题提供了思路。