Effects of Corrugated Cardboard-based Media on the Physicochemical Properties and Coverage of Plant

Abstract

The physical and chemical properties of corrugated cardboard-based media were evaluated to assess their suitability as substrates for plants. Samples were collected periodically from the same study area over 5 months to determine any seasonal variabilities. In addition to the corrugated cardboard-based media, the rural soil of the study area was used as the control. The corrugated cardboard-based media showed adequate levels of moisture content and bulk density and correspondingly high porosity values when compared with the rural soil. All corrugated cardboard-based media showed adequate levels of electrical conductivity, organic matter, and correspondingly high cation exchange capacity values when compared with the rural soil in all seasons. The C/N ratio of the corrugated cardboard-based media was similar to the optimal values of 15-20. However, the pH values of the corrugated cardboard-based media were lower than the optimum value(pH 4) for plant growth and rural soil. The moisture content value which cycle bobs up and down according to sampling date, and this means that the moisture content is affected by seasonal changes in the components entering the study area. The corrugated cardboard-based media appear to be acceptable for growing plants(Lotus corniculatus var. japonicus). Finally, the use of this media permits better vegetation establishment than the use of rural soil. Our results prove that corrugated cardboard-based media can exhibit higher plant cover over a long period(September-November) as opposed to rural soil. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of corrugated cardboard-based media for plant growth, and we recommend that future studies should focus on potential materials relevant to revegetation and management.