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Effect of particle size of Coco peat for Greenhouse Tomato (Lycopercicum esculantum
By lakmali | February 1, 2010
H.K.M.S. Kumarasinghe1 and D.G.D. Ransimala2
Coco peat is a by product of extraction of fiber from coconut husk. It is 100% natural, biodegradable, fibrous and spongiest material. It has high C: N ratio, therefore it take long period to decompose. Also it has high water holding capacity, approximately 7-9 times its own weight. Coco peat contains antifungal and antibacterial properties. In addition, it contains high Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and moderately high pH value. Considering above properties, Coco peat is very good plant growth substrate, after adjusting several properties in soil less cultivation such as green house vegetable nurseries.
Before start the experiment, raw coco peat were taken from bulk and checked for EC and pH, then put into the soaking tank and added Ca(NO3)2 super soluble fertilizer (rate 2kg per one ton of wet raw coco peat). Then washed out four times up to 600 ?S/cm and sun dried up to 13% moisture level. Coco peat were graded according to the particle size; particle size greater than 4mm (coarse particle), particle size between 4 mm 0.5mm (medium particle) and particle size less than 0.5mm (fine particle) and unseived materials (row coco peat). Above four different sizes of particles were used as treatments and studied the nursery performances by using tomato seeds. The experiment was arranged as Completely Randomized Design with four replicates. Germination percentage was measured up to 7 days. Plant height and number of leaves were taken up to 3 weeks.
Result revealed that seed germination was significantly higher (p>0.05) in medium size particles (88%), compared to all other particle sizes. Also highest plant height and number of leaves were observed in medium size particles throughout the nursery period. Results can be concluded that the most suitablepartial size for tomato nursery in green house is medium size coco peat particles.
Keywords :- Antifungal, Coco peat, Plant growth substrate, Vegetable Nurseries.
H.K.M.S. Kumarasinghe1 and D.G.D. Ransimala2
1Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna Sri Lanka
2Ceyland International (Pvt) Ltd, Kuttigala, Embilipitiya, Sri Lanka
Topics: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
February 10th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
100% Certified Organically processed coconut substrates.
Super washed with freshwater to remove Sodium (EC), tannin, phenolic, chloride, etc.
Complete freshwater processing
Composted for a minimum of 2 years
No steaming or harsh chemical washes to ensure a healthy microbial population.
Naturally contains Trichoderma a natural rooting/ growth agent.
High lignin/ cellulose content
Ideal environment for microbial life to flourish
Disease Suppression Significant reduction in root diseases. (Recent studies strongly suggest coir inhibits Pythium and Phytothora growth.)
Faster growth with more abundant fruit/bloom setting
Easy to dispose/ recycle compared to rockwool or expanded clay.
Plants root faster compared to other medium, great for seeds and cuttings.
Preferable natural PH compared to peat moss: (Coir: 5.7-6.2) (Peat: 2.3-3.3)
Weed and pathogen free
Mold and fungal resistant
Lasts many times longer than peat moss.
High water and air holding capacity
All coco products hold water and air like a sponge
Excellent drainage, High Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
Cuts down on fertilizer up to 30%
Prevents stress after repotting
100% Natural and renewable resource
Coco never compacts, Easily rewets unlike peat moss which is known to form a waxy layer on top of the medium which causes the water to run-off. Coir always absorbs evenly through the medium.
August 24th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
hi.
i just want to know how we contorloe the weed seeds
August 27th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
@ Janaka Fernando
Please contact author for details. Contact Author is Sarath Kumarasinghe sarathkumarasinghe@yahoo.com