Growth of Tomato and Lettuce Seedlings in Soilless Media

摘要

There is need to determine the efficacy of biological waste products in the production of vegetable seedlings. Six tobacco waste-based composts (consisting of 40% tobacco wastes) were used to fill polystyrene seedling trays and tested as growing mediain a greenhouse study. In the first experiment the composts were compared to Hygromix (standard growing medium) with and without addition of a nutrient solution. Tomato seeds were sown in the growing media and seedlings were allowed to grow for one month after emergence. Seedling height and stem diameter, and plant fresh and dry matter were recorded. The results indicated that the germination of tomato generally increased with time and varied with treatments. The performance of the soilless media was in the order of Hygromix>cow dung>pig dung>poul-try manurocabbage compost. Ninety-five percent (95%) germination was obtained with Hygromix by the first week. The composts on the average produced germination of 60% by three weeks. In the second experiment, each of the composts was added to complement Hygromix at a weight ratio (compost:Hygromix) of 0:1, 1:3,1:1,3:1 and 1:0 in 200 mL plastic cups. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds were sown in the cups and germination determined. Plant height and plant fresh and dry matter yield were determined 40 days after sowing. Germination and growth of lettuce improved when Hygromix was supplemented with composts compared to when composts alone werelised. There was indication that the range of 25 to 50% compost mixed with Hygromix was better media < than composts alone. The mixture also increased the fresh weight and dry matter yield of lettuce. Addition of a higher rate of compost suppressed germination and depressed yield.