ISHS Acta Horticulturae 481: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE COCONUT-FIBER SUBSTRATE AND THE GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF TOMATO (LYCOPERCICON ESCULENTUM MILL.) PLANTS |
| Authors: | Y. Shinohara, T. Hata, T. Maruo, M. Hohjo, T. Ito |
| Keywords: | Coconut fiber, Rockwool, Bark, Rice husk, Lycopercicon esculentum Mill |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1999.481.13 |
| Abstract:
Chemical and physical properties of coconut-fiber were compared with those of rockwool and two other organic substrates. Each substrate was immersed in water or nutrient solution, and the water holding capacity and the chemical composition of drained solution were determined. Although the initial water holding capacity was much higher in rockwool than in other substrates, EC, pH and elemental composition of the drained solution were not different. The water holding capacity of coconut-fiber substrate much increased with use. Growth, yield and fruit quality of tomato grown on coconut-fiber were no different from those grown in rockwool. Excess supply of nutrient solution is essential when coconut-fiber substrate is used for the first time, which may be managed more easily in recirculating systems. The bark or rice husk as substrates for tomato were also discussed. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
