Effect of Mixing Date Palm Leaves Compost (DPLC) With Vermiculite, Perlite, Sand and Clay on Vegetative Growth of Dahlia (Dahliapinnatd), Marigold {Tagetes erecta), Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) and Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) Plants

摘要

The main objective of this study was to find the best mixture (growth medium) for planting Dahlia, Marigold, Zinnia and Cosmos by mixing DPLC with vermiculite, perlite, sand and clay. Generally, DPLC + vermiculite mixture improved the vegetative growth of plants better than other mixtures. On relative basis, the mean biomass of all the plants grown in DPLC (control) was 80% and 71% than those plants grown in DPLC + vermiculite (2:1 and 1:2), respectively. Mean plant height of Marigold was about 29.6% higher in DPLC+ vermiculite (1:2) as compared to pure DPLC (control). The descending order for better plant growth for other mixtures was DPLC + perlite > DPLC + clay > DPLC + sand. However, Mixtures of DPLC with vermiculite was significantly better than DPLC alone for many growth parameters especially when DPLC was mixed with vermiculite in 1:2 ratio. More research is needed to improve DPLC mixtures in an arid environment for sustainable landscape development for community services.