Compost as a substrate for greenhouse floriculture

摘要

In experiments in 1993-95, the effects of using proprietary composted organic material as a substitute for peat in pot plant production were examined. Growing media comprising up to 100% compost were used to produced potted plants of poinsettia cultivars Angelica, Peterstar and Cortez, Petunia cv. Grandiflora, Begonia semperflorens [B. cucullata] cv. Florida and Primula polyantha cv. Romina Miscuglio. Good results were obtained with all these species when compost comprised up to 50% of the growingmedium. Fertilizer requirement was reduced by about 50%. Using growing media comprising >50% compost led to problems (high pH, salinity, low porosity and high water retention).