Abstract
Compost represents a sustainable alternative for peat (P) replacement in soilless plant cultivation, but its use can be limited by several inadequate physical and physicochemical properties. Biochar can alleviate some of the limitations of compost for its use as growth media by improving the physical properties, decreasing salinity and making the phytotoxic compounds unavailable for plants. We studied the physical and physicochemical properties of holm oak biochar (B), poultry manure compost (PMC), poultry manure composted with biochar (PMBC), a commercial peat (P) and multiple combinations of these materials as growth media, and their effect on the rooting and growth of rosemary. PMBC and PMC showed similar physical and physicochemical properties as growing media, and they both were phytotoxic when used in a rate above 50% (by volume) in the growing medium. However, when used at proportion of 25%, PMBC was less phytotoxic than PMC and enhanced the percentage of rosemary cutting rooting. The incorporation of B in the growing medium instead of P (either at 50% or 75% in volume) increased the stability of the growing media and the percentage of rooted cuttings, but it did not affect plant growth significantly. Our results demonstrate the potential of substituting peat by a combination of poultry manure compost and biochar for the formulation of growth media.
Highlights
Seedling production for horticultural, ornamental or forestry purposes often uses organic materials as growth media
We studied the impact of using biochar as composting additive by comparing the horticultural performance of poultry manure compost (PMC) and poultry manure composted with biochar (PMBC) as growing media constituents
We studied the impact of using biochar as constituent in compost-based growing media by comparing the horticultural performance of mixes of PMC and B with mixes of PMC and P at different ratios
Summary
Seedling production for horticultural, ornamental or forestry purposes often uses organic materials as growth media From these materials, peat has been the most widely used in the last decades [1]. There is a growing environmental concern regarding the use of peat in horticulture, since peat is a non-renewable resource and, the drainage of peat bogs leads to increased emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2 , CH4 , and N2 O [2]. These factors encourage the search for sustainable organic materials alternative to peat, such as compost, pine bark, coir, wood and fiber.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
