Suitability of wood fiber substrates for production of vegetable transplants II.: The effect of wood fiber substrates and their volume weights on the growth of tomato transplants

Abstract

The influence of wood fiber substrates (WFS) and their volume weights (VW) on the growth of tomato transplants ( Lycopersicon lycopersicum (L.) Karst. ex Farw.) were examined. No significant differences were observed for the absolute and relative growth rate of tomato transplants cultivated in WFS as compared to white peat (WP). Particularly in WFS plants showed a well developed root system. When the tomato transplants were cultivated in spring increases of VW led to a reduction of root growth, but no significant differences were observed for other plant parameters. In summer differences between weakly and strongly compacted substrate treatments for fresh mass of leaf and stem for both WFS were found. The coarse WFS also showed a significant difference in leaf area for these two treatments. Weakly compressed substrate had a faster decrease of matric potential in summer. WFS are suitable for cultivation of vegetable transplants and are a good alternative for peat-based substrates. When filling containers, moderate compression of WFS is recommended.