Rice straw as renewable components of horticultural growing media for purple cabbage

Abstract

This study was conducted to estimate the influence of composted rice straw (CRS) on the growth and nutritional composition of purple cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitate L.). In order to select the proper preparation method of CRS based media, growing media were prepared by mixing peat, perlite, vermiculite and sand with CRS in different ratios. The general proportions of CRS in substrates were 25% and 50% (v/v). A mixture of 50% peat with 50% perlite (v/v) was the control (CK). Completely randomized design was used in the experiment under greenhouse conditions. The physicochemical characteristics of all growing media were determined before transplanting. Plant growth parameters as well as the mineral elements were also measured. In general, plants grown in most CRS based media were improved in growth and element nutrition in comparison with control. 25% CRS addition was the most-suitable rate for the growth of purple cabbage. The highest leaves yield obtained from T3 (25% CRS: 25% peat: 50% vermiculite, v:v:v) increased by 105.99% compared to control. CRS can be an alternative constituent to replace the generally using peat in growing media.

Keywords: Compost; Growing media; Peat; Physicochemical characteristics; Yield.