Vegetable Waste Compost as Substrate for Melon

Abstract

The suitability of compost from horticultural residues as a growing medium in vegetable crop production was compared with the popular rock wool and coconut coir waste substrate. Physical and physio-chemical properties were initially characterized to adjust the management of this substrate for horticultural purposes. Leaching experiments were carried out with acid solution and standard nutrient solution. Two experiments were conducted to compare this compost with rock wool and coconut coir waste in terms of yield and fruit quality of a melon crop. The compost was found to initially have high salt content and a high pH. The results suggested that compost seems to be an acceptable growing medium for soilless vegetable production, provided that it is leached prior to use. Once it is leached, the compost is an acceptable substitute for rock wool and coconut coir waste.