Comparing Two Extraction Methods to Evaluate the Composition of Substrate Solution of a Burnt Rice Husk Substrate Used for Carnation Crops

Abstract

Substrates have been increasingly used in recent years for carnation crops. Burnt rice husk (BRH) is widely available and used as a substrate in Colombia. The present work aims to compare the effects of two aqueous extraction methods on the chemical contents. Saturated and 1:1 (v/v) extractions were performed in three replications. Ionic forms of the macronutrients (NO3−, NH4+, PO4H2−, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42−, in meq L−1), micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B, in mg L−1), Cl−, CO3 H− in meq L−1, electrical conductivity in dS m−1, and pH were analyzed. Except for NH4+, Cl−, and B the determination coefficient R2 was greater than 95 percent. Average values and standard errors of data have been used to define suitable intervals for 1:1 extractions. Proposed intervals for 1:1 extracts are consistent with the saturated extract and therefore are a good tool to optimize the management of fertigation in those crops.