Effects of Spent Mushroom Substrate and Vermicompost on The Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Honeydew MelonSeedlings

摘要

This experiment was conducted to investigate the possibility of mixing spent mushroom substrate (SMS) with vermicompost (VC) for honeydew melon (Cucumismelo L. inodorus) seedling production in organic agriculture. The ratios of SMS in the mixtures elaborated with VC were 30%, 50%, and 70%. Element sulfur (S°) was also added to mixtures at a rate of 0.5, 1.0 g kg~(-1) substrate. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications under greenhouse conditions. Prior to sowing, some physical and chemical properties of substrates were also measured. The results determined that increasing VC proportion in the growing media induced increase bulk density and electrical conductivity, while increasing SMS content enhanced aeration porosity, total porosity, water holding capacity (WHC), and pH value. Besides, the S° addition induced decrease the pH values and-increase EC of the growing media. Different rates of SMS and VC influenced on the macro and micronutrient concentrations in the growing / media and on the nutrient uptake of seedlings. Using VC with the ratio of 50% and adding S° at a rate of 0.5, 1.0 g kg~(-1) substrateincreased stem diameter, seedling height, fresh weight, dry weight, leaf number, and leaf areaof honeydew melon seedlings. Regarding the most suitable media for seedlings, SMS and VC at the ratio of 50% and S° added with a rate 1.0 g kg~(-1) substrate was considered as optimum condition for honeydew melon seedling production.