Effect of media amendments on physico-chemical properties and leaf nutrient concentration on gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 2005–06 to determine the effects of different amendments in growing media on physico-chemical properties of substrate as well as its effects on available leaf nutrient concentration on gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Boleux ex Hoof.F) under greenhouse condition. The locally available materials like, soil, farmyard manure, vermicompost, samridhi and sawdust were used as amendments. Analysis of data revealed that the highest bulk density (0.58 g/cm3) and electric conductivity (0.85 dS/m) was recorded in media amended with soil + farmyard manure + vermicompost + samridhi + sawdust. The highest waterholding capacity (780.01%) was observed in control. The media amended with soil + farmyard manure + vermicompost showed the highest pH value, i e 7.46. All the amendments showed the increasing trend in available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in all the growing media. The leaf nutrient analysis shows that the total leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur content (2.77, 0.38%, 4.12% and 0.18%) was found highest in control. Highest leaf calcium content (2.45%) was observed in media amended with soil + farmyard manure. Leaf magnesium content (0.55%) was recorded maximum in media amended with vermicompost. The highest leaf copper content (38.13 ppm) and leaf iron content (155.47 ppm) was observed in media amended with samridhi. Media amended with soil recorded the highest leaf zinc content (108.87 ppm). Maximum leaf manganese content (173.53 ppm) was recorded in media amended with soil + farmyard manure