Growth of pot plants in treated coir dust as compared to peat

Abstract

Coir dust has been introduction in Dutch horticulture, however, in some crops problems have arisen. Growth was restricted. Substrate and plant analysis revealed deficiencies of both calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). This was linked to the high potassium (K) and sodium (Na) content and the adsorption of Ca and Mg to the coir. It was proposed that in coir, where the Na and K contents are low and no adsorption occurred of Ca and Mg, growth of plants should be better than or equal to peat, the standard substrate. To prove this a trial has been conducted with four types of pot plants. Coir was washed with a Ca and Mg containing solution to leach excess K and Na and this material is referred to as ‘treated’ coir dust. Growth of Begonia, Dendranthema, and Schefflera in ‘treated’ coir dust was equal to that in peat. Kalanchoe showed a stronger vegetative growth in coir dust than in peat. Growers should avoid the risk of Ca and/or Mg deficiency and use the ‘treated’ coir dust.

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