Growth of bedding plants and poinsettias in mineral wool and mineral wool/peat substrates

Abstract

Abstract Studies were conducted to ascertain the suitability of mineral wool (MW), either alone or in combination with sphagnum peat moss, as a substrate for potted greenhouse plants. Two types of hydrophyllic mineral wools, cleaned mineral wool (CMW) and uncleaned mineral wool (UMW), were used. Unamended CMW had a low bulk density, excellent water holding capacity, good aeration, but a high pH. Once peat moss was added to the CMW, bulk density remained low, water holding capacity remained good, and the pH dropped to a more suitable level. Unamended UMW had a high bulk density, good water holding capacity, poor aeration, and a high pH. Once peat moss was added to UMW, bulk density decreased, water holding capacity remained good, aeration increased, and the pH decreased to a more optimal level. CMW and UMW, were used unamended, as well as amended with 25%, 50%, and 75% peat moss. Two bedding plants, Impatiens walleriana ’Dazzler Violet’ and Begonia semperflorens ’Whiskey’ were grown for six and nine weeks ...