Use of substrates with zeolites for seedling vegetables and pot plant production

摘要

The zeolite Chabasite (as powder or 1- to 3-mm granules) was added to commercial growing media (Brill 1 or 2) at rates of 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 11 or 15%. Seedling production of lettuces, tomatoes and melons, and pot production of cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) and primrose (Primula vulgaris) were evaluated in the amended composts. Though differences were discernible in the physical characteristics of amended composts in the laboratory, zeolite did not improve seedling quality or final quality and yield oflettuces, tomatoes and melons in the field. With primrose, the addition of 7% zeolite (both powder and granules) significantly increased the number of flowers (2-fold), FW, DW, and overall rating. With cyclamen, the addition of 7% powdered zeolite significantly increased shoot diameter and flower height, but reduced compost stability, causing significant compost shrinkage. Overall, adding 3-7% granular zeolite produced results that were equal to, or better than, commercial media containing 15% montmorillonite clay, and maintained good volume stability.