Abstract
The woody stem core of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) was ground and used without composting as a container medium amendment for the production of several tropical foliage and nursery species. Media made of various proportions of kenaf and peat moss were amended with micronutrients, gypsum, dolomitic lime stone powder, superphosphate, Osmocote, a wetting agent and a fungicide. Plant growth in these media was compared to that in two widely used commercial media. Brassaia actinophylla in kenaf amended media grew taller and had more leaves, heavier weight, and better root grade than those produced in the two commercial media. Pittosporum tobira plants in kenaf media were taller, wider, and heavier than those grown in the commercial media. Other species tested also responded favorably to media amended with kenaf. Media containing the ground kenaf core tended to maintain the optimum pH better and their leachate samples had lower electrical conductivities than the commercial media. Shrinkage was a problem when 100% fine ground kenaf was used, but this was greatly reduced by adding peat moss or using a coarser grind. Media containing kenaf required more frequent watering than did the commercial media.
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