Peat moss is formed by the accumulation of plant materials in poorly drained areas. The type of plant material and degree of decomposition largely determine its value for use in a growing medium.
Wood Residues
Wood residues constitute a significant source of soilless growing media. These materials are generally bi-products of the lumber industry and are readily available in large quantities. Nitrogen depletion by soil microorganisms, during the decomposition process, is one of the primary problems associated with these materials. However, supplemental applications of N to the growing media can make most wood residues valuable amendments.
Bagasse
Bagasse is a waste bi-product of the sugar industry. It may be shredded and/or composted to produce a material which can increase the aeration and drainage properties of container media. Because of its high sugar content, rapid microbial activity results after the incorporation of bagasse into a media. This decreases the durability and longevity of bagasse and influences N levels. Although bagasse is readily available at low cost, (usually transportation), its use is limited.
Rice Hulls
Rice hulls are a biproduct of the rice milling industry. Although they are extremely light in weight, rice hulls are very effective at improving drainage. The particle size and resistance to decomposition of rice hulls and sawdust are very similar. However N depletion is not as serious of a problem in media amended with rice hulls.
Sand
Sand, a basic component of soil, ranges in particle size from 0.05mm to 2.0mm in diameter. Fine sands (0.05mm – 0.25mm) do little to improve the physical properties of a growing media and may result in reduced drainage and aeration. Medium and coarse sand particles are those which provide optimum adjustments in media texture. Although sand is generally the least expensive of all inorganic amendments it is also the heaviest. This may result in prohibitive transportation costs. Sand is a valuable amendment for both potting and propagation media.
Peat and Peat-Like Materials Wood Residues Bagasse Rice Hulls Sand
Growing Media
The production of greenhouse crops involves a number of cultural inputs. Among these, perhaps the most important is the type of growing medium used. Due to the relatively shallow depth and limited volume of a container, growing media must be amended to provide the appropriate physical and chemical properties necessary for plant growth.
Field soils are generally unsatisfactory for the production of plants in containers. This is primarily because soils do not provide the aeration, drainage and water holding capacity required. To improve this situation several “soilless” growing media have been developed. The following is a description of some of the most commonly used amendments for the production of greenhouse crops.
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Peat and Peat-Like Materials
Peat moss is formed by the accumulation of plant materials in poorly drained areas. The type of plant material and degree of decomposition largely determine its value for use in a growing medium.
Wood Residues
Wood residues constitute a significant source of soilless growing media. These materials are generally bi-products of the lumber industry and are readily available in large quantities. Nitrogen depletion by soil microorganisms, during the decomposition process, is one of the primary problems associated with these materials. However, supplemental applications of N to the growing media can make most wood residues valuable amendments.
Bagasse
Bagasse is a waste bi-product of the sugar industry. It may be shredded and/or composted to produce a material which can increase the aeration and drainage properties of container media. Because of its high sugar content, rapid microbial activity results after the incorporation of bagasse into a media. This decreases the durability and longevity of bagasse and influences N levels. Although bagasse is readily available at low cost, (usually transportation), its use is limited.
Rice Hulls
Rice hulls are a biproduct of the rice milling industry. Although they are extremely light in weight, rice hulls are very effective at improving drainage. The particle size and resistance to decomposition of rice hulls and sawdust are very similar. However N depletion is not as serious of a problem in media amended with rice hulls.
Sand
Sand, a basic component of soil, ranges in particle size from 0.05mm to 2.0mm in diameter. Fine sands (0.05mm – 0.25mm) do little to improve the physical properties of a growing media and may result in reduced drainage and aeration. Medium and coarse sand particles are those which provide optimum adjustments in media texture. Although sand is generally the least expensive of all inorganic amendments it is also the heaviest. This may result in prohibitive transportation costs. Sand is a valuable amendment for both potting and propagation media.
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Answer:
Peat and Peat-Like Materials
Wood Residues
Bagasse
Rice Hulls
Sand
Growing Media
The production of greenhouse crops involves a number of cultural inputs. Among these, perhaps the most important is the type of growing medium used. Due to the relatively shallow depth and limited volume of a container, growing media must be amended to provide the appropriate physical and chemical properties necessary for plant growth.
Field soils are generally unsatisfactory for the production of plants in containers. This is primarily because soils do not provide the aeration, drainage and water holding capacity required. To improve this situation several “soilless” growing media have been developed. The following is a description of some of the most commonly used amendments for the production of greenhouse crops.
Explanation:
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#Study Well
#Keep Safe