ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1164: III International Symposium on Organic Greenhouse Horticulture
Pot-grown Swiss chard and kale responses to variable rate of manure compost in mycorrhizal fungi inoculated medium |
| Authors: | L. Abbey, P. Appah |
| Keywords: | salinity, water capture, leaching, greenhouse, electric conductivity, nutrient toxicity |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1164.31 |
| Abstract:
The proper use of composts has immense environmental and agro-ecological benefits. A study was carried out to determine the effects of variable rates of manure compost on mobility of soluble chemicals in recovered leachate, and growth of kale (Brassica oleracea L. 'Ripbor F1') and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla 'Silverstar') in pots. The percentage cattle manure compost mixed in Pro-mix BXTM Mycorrhizae treatments were: 1) 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100% (no Pro-mix BXTM Mycorrhizae). An increase in rate of manure compost application increased soluble chemical mobility in the potted mix. The planted-pots recorded higher soluble chemical mobility and percentage leached dissolved solids than the unplanted-pots. Leaf production and plant height were significantly (P‹0.05) increased by the 25 or 50% treatment, but were reduced by the ≥75% treatments. Leaf greenness was increased by increasing manure compost but poorly correlated with yield due to salinity constraints. Application of 25 or 50% treatment significantly (P‹0.05) improved leaf fresh weight yield at first harvest. Nevertheless, yields for the second harvested kale plants were reduced in all five treatments while those of the Swiss chard plants were increased by the ≥75% treatment. There were consistent increases in leaf tissue N, P and K with increased manure compost application rate. In summary, the 25 or 50% proved to be the best mix for improving growth of potted kale 'Ripbor' and Swiss chard 'Silverstar'. | |
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