Composts from Green Waste as Peat Substitutes for Cutting Propagation of Impatiens hawkeri

Abstract:

This study was to evaluate the use of green waste compost (GWC) as a growth media for rooting of Impatiens hawkeri. The experiments were divided into two sections. In the first experiment, GWC samples were collected periodically during a 60-d rapid composting period from a single windrow. A germination test was carried out previously in order to evaluate the phytotoxicity presence of GWC using Lepidium sativum L. (cress) as an indicator. Subsequently, five growth media were prepared containing 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% by volume of GWC with the corresponding peat as diluents, plus an untreated control (0 %). The same cuttings of Impatiens hawkeri were selected and potted into plugs. The germination tests showed that 45 days after rapid composting GWC could be considered to be mature. It was therefore concluded that GWC could be successfully used as a good adjuvant for peat substitutes for cutting propagation of Impatiens hawkeri in quantities of 25-50% by volume.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 113-116)
• Pages: 2314-2318
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.113-116.2314
• Online since: June 2010
• Authors: Ya Ning Luan, Xiang Yang Sun, Su Yan Li, Hui Wang, Cheng Guo
• Keywords: Germination Index (GI), Green Waste Compost (GWC), Growth Media, Impatiens hawkeri

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