The effect of shape of compost blocks on the propagation, transplant establishment and yield of four vegetable species

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

SummarySeedlings of lettuce, leek, cauliflower and celery were raised in 12 cm3 of compressed blocking compost shaped as cubes, cylinders, inverse pyramids and pyramids contained in expanded polystyrene cells and as bare cubes and pyramids. Satisfactory establishment was obtained with all shapes of block when water was applied immediately after transplanting and, although differences in growth did occur, no single shape appeared to be best for all four species. In unirrigated soil, transplants in enclosed pyramids had the greatest outgrowth of new roots but the general benefits achieved by using any particular block shape were outweighed by irrigating immediately after transplanting. It is concluded that the choice of block shape may be dictated by the mechanical demands of the raising, handling and transplanting systems with little effect on transplant establishment or subsequent yield.