Comparison of the Physical Properties of Vermicompost From Paper Mill Sludge and Green Compost as Substitutes for Peat-Based Potting Media

Abstract

The properties of vermicompost, green compost, and their mixes as substitutes for peat were evaluated regarding their recommendation for potting media. The mixes with a maximum of 50% of vermicompost or green compost had acceptable air filled porosity (AFP) and easily available water (EAW). In the vermicompost the level of organic matter (OM), dry bulk density (DBD) and shrinkage were acceptable; however, the AFP and EAW together were not at the recommended level in the different batches; as a consequence, vermicompost should not be used alone for potting media. In the green compost, the level of OM was low which increased the DBD and consequently the AFP was diminished. The particle size distribution (PSD) was different among peat, vermicompost and green compost. The coarse peat had the lower proportion of particles from 0.25 to 2.00 mm (41%) whereas the green compost had the lower coarseness index (CI: percentage by weight of particles larger than 0.5 mm in diameter), 48.4%. The direct effect of the PSD, OM and DBD in the water and air availability was confirmed. Moreover, there were high correlations between the OM, DBD, shrinkage, pore volume and PSD with the water release curve. Those properties should be considered in order to increase the level of substitution of vermicompost in peat-based potting media.

Influence of Potting Media and GA3 on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Guava (Psidium guajava) cv. Allahabad Safeda under Shade Net Condition

“…Vermicompost is reported to have bioactive principles which are considered to be beneficial for root growth and this has been hypothesized to result in greater root initiation, higher germination, increased biomass, enhanced growth and development (Bachman and Metzger, 2008) and also balanced composition of nutrients (Zaller, 2007). This result is akin to the findings of Campos Mota et al [35] and Abirami et al [36] who suggested that since coir dust is low in nutrients when mixed with vermicompost, provides a better growth medium for plant establishment.…”

Effect of Growth Media on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Cv. Red Lady

“…Combined application of vermicompost and cocopeat have too showed significant effect on seedling growth and plant biomass, perhaps due to the synergistic effect of both these factors. This result is in line with findings of Campos Mota et al (2009) and Abirami et al (2010) who suggested that since coir dust was low in nutrients, mixed with vermicompost it provides a better growth medium for plant establishment. However, air filled porosity, easily available water and aeration of vermicompost and Farm Yard Manure were not at the recommended level which, in turn, limited root growth and lowered water-holding capacity.…”

Seed Priming and Media for Enhanced Seedling Growth in Pansy (Viola tricolor)

“…The medium with vermicompost and cocopeat is more suitable because of better physical properties and enhanced nutrient level, provides a better growth medium for plant establishment [18,13]. This treatment combination due to proper aeration in the root zone of the seedling produces better quality seedlings.…”