scholarly journals Substrate Properties and Fertilizer Rates on Yield Responses of Lettuce in a Vertical Growth System

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 6465
Author(s):  
ZaDarreyal Wiggins ◽  
Onyekachukwu Akaeze ◽  
Dilip Nandwani ◽  
Anthony Witcher
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Fertilizer Rate ◽  
Growth System ◽  
Substrate Properties ◽  
Yield Responses ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Fertilizer Rates

The increased demand for food and the challenge for space for agriculture production in urban centers have made the vertical growth system an interesting trend. Agriculture is no longer only the horizontal, traditional, and soil grown method. Urban agriculture has created ways for inner city growers to be able to farm in a restricted space. Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops, especially leafy vegetables such as lettuce, in vertically stacked layers, as this results in significantly higher plant population per unit area. Two research trials were conducted in the fall of 2018 and the spring of 2019 to determine the effect of substrate properties and fertilizers on lettuce yield to optimize the urban production of lettuce. Three substrates (P3 + CF7 = Perlite 30%: Coco fiber 70%, PB7 + C3 = Pine Bark 70%: Compost 30%, and PB9 + C1 = Pine Bark 90%: Compost 10%) along with full and half rates of a fertilizer blend (VertiGro Organics fermented molasses, Ohrstrom’s Maxicrop liquid seaweed, and organic mineral blend) were evaluated on fresh and dried weight yield of lettuce. Substrate physical properties (air space, water holding capacity, total porosity, and bulk density) and substrate volumetric water content were also determined. ‘Nevada’ and ‘Optima’ lettuce varieties showed similar yield responses (fresh and dried weight) to substrate and fertilizer rates in both trials. In the fall 2018 trial, the highest fresh weight was observed in substrate PB7 + C3 with half fertilizer rate, with a mean plant weight of 41.13 g and 49.75 g for ‘Optima’ and ‘Nevada’, respectively. The least mean fresh weight was observed in half fertilizer rate of substrate P3 + CF7. For the spring 2019 trial, PB7 + C3 in half fertilizer strength gave the highest fresh weight for ‘Optima’ and ‘Nevada’ (45.64 g and 41.13 g, respectively). These values were statistically comparable to all other treatments except for substrate P3 + CF7 in full and half fertilizer which gave the least mean fresh weight. Volumetric water content in substrates P3 + CF7 recorded the highest average, while PB7 + C3 gave the least. Higher water holding capacity, total porosity, and lower airspace were observed in substrate P3 + CF7. Higher airspace was observed in PB9 + C1 but was comparable to PB7 + C3. PB7 + C3 gave the highest bulk density in both trials.

scholarly journals Growth, physiology and yield responses of cabbage to deficit irrigation

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (No. 3) ◽  
pp. 138-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Xu ◽  
D.I. Leskovar
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Photosynthetic Rate ◽  
Deficit Irrigation ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Growth Physiology ◽  
Yield Responses

Field experiments were conducted in two seasons to investigate growth, physiology and yield responses of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. cvs Pennant and Rio Grande) to deficit irrigation. In 2012 season, 50% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) irrigation temporarily decreased plant size, reduced leaf area, fresh weight, relative water content, specific leaf area and gas exchange during late development, and decreased head fresh weight, size, marketable and total yield. Deficit irrigation at 75% ETc had little influence on plant growth and physiology, but it still reduced both marketable and total yield. In 2013 season, 75% ETc irrigation had little influence on plant growth, leaf characteristics, photosynthetic rate, head fresh weight and size, but it temporarily increased chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and decreased stomata conductance, transpiration, and marketable yield. Pennant, the green-head cultivar, had higher photosynthetic rate, head fresh weight, marketable and total yield than the red-head cultivar Rio Grande. In both seasons, deficit irrigations did not influence cabbage head dry weight, indicating that most yield reduction under deficit irrigations is related to water content.  

Evaluation of the solid digestate from garage-type high solids anaerobic digestion of bundled rice straw and swine manure as a growth medium for seeding production

BioResources ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 3017-3028
Author(s):  
Jingjing Fu ◽  
Biao Ma ◽  
Binxing Xu ◽  
Chunsong Guan ◽  
Aibing Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Rice Straw ◽  
Growth Medium ◽  
Germination Rate ◽  
Swine Manure ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
High Solid ◽  
Water Holding

The solid digestate from high solid anaerobic digestion was used as growth medium for seeding production. The garage-type dry fermentation system using bundled rice straw and swine manure was performed to obtain solid digestate. The addition of solid digestate addition greatly influenced the properties of the growth medium. The bulk density increased and the total porosity, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) values were decreased with the reduction of solid digestate. The solid digestate-based media had a bulk density < 0.3 g/cm3, total porosity > 70%, air filled porosity ~ 3%, water holding porosity > 60%, EC < 3 mS/cm, and 6.5 < pH < 8. Those properties almost satisfied the essential requirements of nursery substrate. Also, the concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals of the substrate exhibited a positive relationship with solid digestate addition, and they are all within acceptable ranges for plant growth. When the addition of solid digestate was 50% (v/v), the germination rate of tomato seeding cultivated in that solid digestate-based growth medium reached 85%. These findings showed that the solid digestate from the high solid anaerobic digestion could be successfully applied in the seeding nursery and merit consideration for industrial applications.

scholarly journals Effects of Crop and Grass Intercropping on the Soil Environment in the Karst Area

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 5484
Author(s):  
Qinqin Xu ◽  
Kangning Xiong ◽  
Yongkuan Chi ◽  
Shuzhen Song
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Salvia Miltiorrhiza ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Karst Area

The karst area in Southwest China is facing the challenges of environmental degradation and agricultural safety. Intercropping is a green and efficient planting mode that can make full use of the differences in crops’ physiological and ecological characteristics and land and climate resources while considering the environmental and yield benefits. This study selected five treatments: Salvia miltiorrhiza monoculture, Dactylis glomerata intercropped with S. miltiorrhiza, Cichorium intybus intercropped with S.miltiorrhiza, Trifolium repens intercropped with S.miltiorrhiza, and Lolium perenne intercropped with S.miltiorrhiza. Using one-way ANOVA, principle component analysis (PCA), and linear correlation analysis, we analyzed the changes in the soil physicochemical factors and the coupling relationship between them in the intercropping mode. The results showed that at different soil depths, the soil bulk density in the intercropping mode was significantly lower than that in the single cropping mode (p < 0.05), and the soil water content and total porosity were significantly increased (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in soil pH among the five models (p > 0.05), the content of soil organic matter was significantly higher than that in the single cropping mode (p < 0.05), and the content of nitrogen and phosphorus also showed different changes. The correlation analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between the pH and soil physical properties (p > 0.05); bulk density and chemical properties were negatively correlated, while the soil water content, field water-holding capacity, and total porosity were significantly positively correlated with the chemical properties (p > 0.05). Therefore, it is suggested to strengthen the management of agricultural grass intercropping, improve soil pore structure, regulate the distribution of soil water and fertilizer, and improve the resilience of agricultural systems in the karst area of southwest China.

scholarly journals Air and Soil Temperatures and Fertilizer Level Affect Growth and Quality of Epipremnum aureum Bunt.

1992 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-159
Author(s):  
C.A. Conover ◽  
R.T. Poole
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Surface ◽  
Leaf Color ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Fertilizer Rate ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Epipremnum Aureum ◽  
Leaf Surface Area ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Fertilizer Rates

Abstract Three minimum air temperatures (AT), 15.5°, 18.5°, and 21°C (60°, 65°, and 70°F), four constant soil temperatures (ST), 15.5°, 21°, 26.5°, and 32°C (60°, 70°, 80°, and 90°F), and three fertilizer rates (FR) 2.5, 4.2, and 5.9 g 19N-2.6P-10K (0.09, 0.15, and 0.21 oz 19-6-12) Osmocote/15 cm (6 in) pot/3 months were utilized on Epipremnum aureum ‘Golden Pothos’ during November–April in 1983–84, 1984–85, and 1985–86. Data collected included plant grade, leaf color grade, top fresh weight, root fresh weight and leaf surface area. Analyzed data were similar for all three experiments with AT × ST interactions significant for 4 of 5 measurements in 1984 and 1985 and for all 5 measurements in 1986. In general, as fertilizer rate increased, all measurements increased linearly with only root fresh weight not increasing significantly. Results from the 1986 experiment are used for discussion.

scholarly journals Comparing Potting Media Available to Consumers through Garden Centers and National Chain Stores

HortScience ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 658d-658
Author(s):  
Larry J. Kuhns ◽  
Tracey L. Harpster
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Tagetes Patula ◽  
Soluble Salts ◽  
Chain Stores ◽  
Nitrate N ◽  
Potting Media ◽  
The Media ◽  
Water Holding

A study was initiated to determine how well plants would grow in potting media available to consumers through garden centers and national chain stores. Nine media were evaluated. The chemical and physical characteristics were determined, and six geraniums (Pelargonium sp) and six marigolds (Tagetes patula) were grown in each of the media. Three of each six were fertilized, three were not. The plants that were fertilized received 100 ppm N and K and 50 ppm P once a week. Three months after seeding the flowers, flowers and buds on the marigolds were counted and the plants were harvested. Dry weights were determined. Nitrate-N ranged from 6 to 627 ppm, pH from 4.9 to 7.1, phosphorus from 88 to 502 pounds/A, potassium from 1.0 to 6.9 meq/100 g, magnesium from 1.4 to 10.8 meq/100 g, calcium from 5.2 to 30.0 meq/100 g, soluble salts from 20 to 151 mmhos, and CEC from 13.0 to 43.8 meq/100cc. Bulk density ranged from 21 to 53 g/100cc, water holding capacity from 32 to 53 ml/100cc, percent air-pore space from 2.7 to 15.7, and total porosity ranged from 65% to 78%. Unfertilized marigolds weighed between 0.1 and 9.6 g; fertilized marigolds weighed 1.4 to 17.2 g. Unfertilized geraniums weighed between 1.4 and 23.3 g; fertilized geraniums weighed 4.4 to 56 g. There were 1.3 to 16 flowers on unfertilized and 7 to 24.3 flowers on fertilized marigolds.

WATER CONTENT AND SOIL CORE VOLUME ON BROOKSTON CLAY LOAM

1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. STONE ◽  
K. C. WIRES
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Soil Core ◽  
Clay Loam ◽  
Loam Soil ◽  
Core Volume

Soil core volumes, from a long-term fertility experiment on Brookston clay loam, were adjusted for soil water content at sampling to explain large year-to-year fluctuations in bulk density and porosity. Adjusting the long-term soil core data decreased values of bulk density, total porosity, and air-filled porosity and reduced the variation between years. However, the year-to-year variation remained highly significant. Year-to-year fluctuations in bulk density and porosity on Brookston clay loam soil do not appear to be solely the result of changes in soil volume due to differences in soil water content at the time of sampling. Key words: Shrinkage, bulk density, porosity

scholarly journals Growth of Bedding Plants in Sphagnum Peat and Coir Dust-Based Substrates

1996 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Evans ◽  
Robert H. Stamps
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Axillary Shoots ◽  
Bedding Plants ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
Bright Yellow ◽  
Water Filled Pore Space ◽  
Coir Dust ◽  
Water Holding

Abstract Water-holding capacity of substrates increased as the proportion of sphagnum peat and coir increased, and coir-based substrates had greater water-holding capacities than comparable peat-based substrates. There were no significant differences between coir and peat-based substrates with respect to bulk density, percent pore space and percent solids. Air-filled pore space and water-filled pore space decreased and increased, respectively, as the proportion of peat and coir increased. ‘Pink Elite’ geranium plants grown in coir-based substrates had greater root fresh weights than those grown in sphagnum-peat based substrates. Greatest root fresh weight occurred in an 80% coir and 20% perlite substrate. Days to flower, height, shoot fresh weight and number of axillary shoots were not significantly different between substrates. ‘Janie Bright Yellow’ marigold and ‘Blue Lace Carpet’ petunia plants had increased heights and shoot fresh weights when grown in coir-based substrates as compared with sphagnum peat-based substrates. Greatest heights and shoot fresh weights of petunia and marigold occurred in an 80% coir and 20% perlite substrate. Days to flower were reduced for marigold plants grown in coir-based substrates.

scholarly journals Substrate Water Content and Fertilizer Rate Affect Growth and Flowering of Potted Petunia

HortScience ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 582-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Alem ◽  
Paul A. Thomas ◽  
Marc W. van Iersel
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Leaf Size ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Optimal Conditions ◽  
Fertilizer Rate ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Fertilizer Rates ◽  
Excessive Water

Rising concerns over environmental impacts of excessive water and fertilizer use in the horticultural industry necessitate more efficient use of water and nutrients. Both substrate volumetric water content (θ) and fertilizer affect plant growth, but their interactive effect is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal fertilizer rates for petunia (Petunia ×hybrida) ‘Dreams White’ grown at different θ levels. Petunia seedlings were grown at four levels of θ (0.10, 0.20, 0.30, and 0.40 m3·m−3) with eight different rates of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) (Osmocote 14-14-14; 14N–6.1P–11.6K; rates of 0 to 2.5 g/plant, equivalent to 0 to 6.25 kg·m−3 substrate). Shoot dry weight increased as the CRF rate increased from 0 to 1.67 g/plant but decreased again at even higher CRF rates. The effect of CRF rate on growth was more pronounced at higher θ. Leaf size doubled as the θ thresholds increased from 0.10 to 0.40 m3·m−3. Flowering was reduced by a combination of high CRF rates (greater than 0.63 g/plant) and high θ (0.30 and 0.40 m3·m−3), indicating that optimal conditions for vegetative growth are different from those for maximal flowering. These results suggest that without leaching, high-quality petunias can be grown with lower CRF rates than commercially recommended rates.

Site-factor Influence on Barley Response to Fertilizer in On-farm Trials in Northern Syria: Descriptive and Predictive Models

1992 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Jones ◽  
A. Wahbi
Keyword(s):  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Fertilizer Rate ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Site Factor ◽  
Yield Responses ◽  
Fertilizer Rates

SummaryThe effects of site and rate of application of fertilizer on the grain and straw production of barley were investigated in 75 trials on representative farmers' fields. Grain and straw production were strongly but curvilinearly correlated with growth-period rainfall over the range 136–568 mm, almost irrespective of soil type, previous crop or fertilizer rate, and responded positively to applied nitrogen and/or phosphorus in 74 of the trials. Responses to nitrogen increased and those to phosphorus decreased with increasing rainfall. Yields tended to be lower but responses to nitrogen were higher where barley followed barley and were influenced by the availability of phosphate and mineral nitrogen in the soil at planting time.These results are summarized in regression equations, which express yield quadratically in terms of fertilizer rates, seasonal rainfall and their interactions over the full 75-trial data set and within representative sub-sets. The wide differences in crop response to fertilizer highlight the problem of recommending fertilizer rates for a low and variable rainfall environment. Simple second-order multiple regressions for different geographical areas, rainfall zones, crop rotations etc., based on mean rainfall values, account for around 40% of the variance in yield response to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer; only a small proportion of the remaining variance appears attributable to rainfall variability. Alternatively, yield may be expressed as a function of fertilizer rate and rainfall using rainfall probability values derived from long-term records. This can be used to estimate the probabilities of predetermined yield responses for specified sites and fertilizer rates and to produce maps of those probabilities.

scholarly journals (160) Are All Vermicomposts Created Equal?

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1006A-1006
Author(s):  
Gray R. Bachman
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Organic Wastes ◽  
Physical Characteristics ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Volume Percent ◽  
Air Volume ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Different Sources

The horticulture industry continues to show interest in using stabilized organic wastes as a component of container media. Vermicompost, also known as worm-worked waste or worm castings, is one of these materials of interest and can be produced from a number of organic wastes, including manure wastes. One issue that has not been addressed is the uniformity of vermicomposts produced from wastes of different sources. Are all vermicomposts created equal? The uniformity of vermicompost is important for growers to consider when using as a medium amendment. This research project investigated the physical properties of vermicompost 1) from different sources of wastes and 2) from a single waste source sequentially sampled over time. The first stage determined the physical properties of vermicompost from beef manure, hog manure, and peat-based media used by two earthworm growers. There were significant differences between the four vermicomposts in bulk density, air volume, percent air volume, percent volumetric moisture, total porosity, and water holding capacity. The second stage involved determining the physical characteristics of vermicompost produced from beef manure collected at the Illinois State University Research Farm from cattle receiving a consistent diet through the year. Manure was collected bimonthly. There was no difference in vermicompost bulk density among the samples. There were significant differences in air volume, percent air volume, percent volumetric moisture, total porosity, and water holding capacity. These changes in vermicompost physical characteristics must be quantified for growers to accurately predict performance as a growth medium amendment.

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