Growth Response of Perilla According to Mixing Ratios of Paper Mill Sludge and Horticultural Substrate

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the impact of paper mill sludge substrates on the growth responses of perilla that is commonly chosen by people. Perilla (Perilla frutescens var. japonica Hara ‘Jeok Ssam Ip’) were potted and grown for 8 weeks with five different mixing ratios of horticultural substrate and paper mill sludge (9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7 and 1:9) in a greenhouse. As results, the 9:1 was the most effective mixing ratio for the growth of perilla. This mixing ratio showed significant differences in all categories of plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and biomass. The 7:3 and 5:5 mixing ratios had a growing problem at an early stage and recovered later. The 5:5, 3:7 and 1:9 mixing ratios did not effective on growth. In conclusion, paper mill sludge should be used 30% or less as substrate for the growth of perilla.