THE EFFECT OF ADDITION OF COMPOSTED GREENWASTE TO PEAT ON PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, MICROBIAL PROPERTIES AND GROWING PROPERTIES OF GROWING MEDIA

摘要

The effects of the addition of composted greenwaste (CGW) to peat on chemical, physical and microbial properties and on plant performance were studied. The addition of CGW resulted in an increase in pH, EC and extractable K values and a reduction in extractable P values. There was an increase in bulk density and a reduction in total porosity and easily available water. Total bacterial and fungal counts increased as a result of the addition. The addition of young CGW to peat resulted in increased biodegradability of peat, particularly in peat having a low lignin content. Growing trials carried out in the mixtures showed that it was possible to grow satisfactory tomato seedlings and two nursery crops with the addition of CGW up to 20-25%, and the plants were of comparable quality to those grown in 100% peat. The practical implications of these results for CGW addition to peat are discussed.