scholarly journals Physical Properties of Processed Poultry Feather Fiber-containing Greenhouse Root Substrates

2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Evans ◽  
Leisha Vance
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Pine Bark ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Poultry Feather ◽  
Feather Fiber ◽  
Water Holding

A series of soilless root substrates was formulated to contain either 20% composted pine bark or perlite and 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% feather fiber, with the remainder being sphagnum peat. The substrates containing bark or perlite with 0% feather fiber served as the controls for the bark- and perlite-containing substrates respectively. For root substrates containing perlite, the inclusion of feather fiber increased the total pore space compared with the control substrate. For substrates containing bark, the inclusion of 10% or 20% feather fiber increased total pore space, but the inclusion of 30% feather fiber reduced total pore space. For substrates containing perlite, the inclusion of feather fiber increased the air-filled pore space compared with the control, and as the percentage feather fiber increased, air-filled pore space increased. For substrates containing bark, the inclusion of 10% or 20% feather fiber increased air-filled pore space, but air-filled pore space of the substrate containing 30% feather fiber was not different from the control. For all substrates, the inclusion of feather fiber reduced the water-holding capacity, but water-holding capacities for all substrates remained within recommended ranges. The bulk density of feather fiber-containing substrates was not different from the control except for the substrate containing 30% feather fiber with bark, which had a higher bulk density than its control without feather fiber. The difference in physical properties of the 30% feather fiber substrate with bark from its control substrate was attributed to the aggregation of the feather fiber when formulated with composted bark. Aggregation of feather fiber when blended into substrates at levels of 30% or higher would create difficulties in achieving uniform substrates.

scholarly journals Physical Properties of Sphagnum Peat-based Root Substrates Amended with Perlite or Parboiled Fresh Rice Hulls

2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 312-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Evans ◽  
Mary M. Gachukia
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Equivalent Amount ◽  
Rice Hulls ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Water Holding

Ten substrates were formulated by blending perlite or parboiled fresh rice hulls (PBH) to produce root substrates (substrates) that contained either 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% (by volume) perlite or PBH, with the remainder being sphagnum peatmoss. All substrates containing PBH had higher total pore space than substrates containing an equivalent amount of perlite. As the percentage perlite increased from 20% to 60%, the total pore space decreased. The total pore space increased as the amount of PBH increased to 50% and then decreased as the amount of PBH increased from 50% to 60%. The air-filled pore space was not different between substrates containing 20% perlite or PBH. However, the air-filled pore space was higher in PBH-containing substrates than in equivalent perlite-containing substrates when the amount of PBH or perlite was at least 40%. As the amount of perlite or PBH was increased, the air-filled pore space increased, but the rate of increase was higher for PBH-containing substrates. The 20% PBH-containing substrate had a higher water-holding capacity than the 20% perlite-containing substrate. However, at 30% or higher PBH, the PBH-containing root substrates had a lower water-holding capacity than equivalent perlite-containing substrates. As the percentage perlite or PBH was increased, the water-holding capacity decreased, but at a higher rate in PBH-containing substrates than in perlite-containing substrates. For all substrates except those containing 40% PBH or perlite, substrates containing PBH had lower bulk densities than equivalent perlite-containing substrates. The differences in bulk densities were not great enough to be of practical significance. Inclusion of PBH in the substrate provided for drainage and air-filled pore space as did perlite. However, less PBH would be required in a substrate to provide the same air-filled pore space as perlite when more than 20% perlite or PBH is used.

scholarly journals Physical Properties of and Plant Growth in Peat-based Root Substrates Containing Glass-based Aggregate, Perlite, and Parboiled Fresh Rice Hulls

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Catharanthus Roseus ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Santa Fe ◽  
Rice Hulls ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
Impatiens Walleriana ◽  
Water Holding

Aggregates produced from finely ground waste glass [Growstones (GS); Earthstone Corp., Santa Fe, NM] have been proposed to adjust the physical properties of peat-based substrates. The GS had a total pore space (TPS) of 87.4% (by volume), which was higher than that of sphagnum peat and perlite but was similar to that of parboiled fresh rice hulls (PBH). The GS had an air-filled pore space (AFP) of 53.1%, which was higher than that of sphagnum peat and perlite but lower than that of PBH. At 34.3%, GS had a lower water-holding capacity (WHC) than sphagnum peat but a higher WHC than either perlite or PBH. The bulk density of GS was 0.19 g·cm−3 and was not different from that of the perlite but was higher than that of sphagnum peat and PBH. The addition of at least 15% GS to sphagnum peat increased the AFP of the resulting peat-based substrate. Substrates containing 25% or 30% GS had a higher AFP than substrates containing equivalent amounts of perlite but a lower AFP than substrates containing equivalent PBH. Substrates containing 20% or more GS had a higher WHC than equivalent perlite- or PBH-containing substrates. Growth of ‘Cooler Grape’ vinca (Catharanthus roseus), ‘Dazzler Lilac Splash’ impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), and ‘Score Red’ geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum) was similar for plants grown in GS-containing substrates and those grown in equivalent perlite- and PBH-containing substrates.

scholarly journals Physical Properties of Whole Fresh-ground Parboiled Rice Hulls for Use as a Horticultural Root Substrate

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 979B-979
Author(s):  
Johann S. Buck ◽  
Michael R. Evans ◽  
Paolo Sambo
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Rice Hull ◽  
Particle Sizes ◽  
Parboiled Rice ◽  
Rice Hulls ◽  
Water Holding

Horticultural root substrates are designed to provide the optimal physical properties for plant growth. These properties include bulk density (g·cm-3), air-filled pore space (% v/v), total pore space (% v/v), water-filled pore space (% v/v), water-holding capacity (% v/v and w/w), and wettability. Whole, fresh parboiled rice hulls were ground to produce four grades with varying particle size distributions. Particle sizes for the four grades ranged from <0.25 to >2.80 mm. Additionally, discrete particle sizes of <0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 2.80, and >2.80 mm were produced. For all grade distributions and particle point sizes, physical properties were determined and contrasted against Canadian sphagnum peat. As the proportion of smaller particle sizes in the distributions increased or as the particle point sizes decreased, total pore space (% v/v) and air-filled pore space (% v/v) decreased, while, bulk density (g·cm-3) and water-holding capacity (% v/v and w/w) increased. Additionally, as the proportion of particle sizes from <0.25–0.50 mm increased, the wettabilty of the whole fresh parboiled rice hull material decreased. Particle sizes ranging from 1.00–2.80 mm possessed the physical properties most suitable for plant growth in containerized greenhouse crop production and were most similar to peat.

scholarly journals Earthworm Castings as a Substrate Amendment for Chrysanthemum Production

HortScience ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 1035-1039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo R. Hidalgo ◽  
Richard L. Harkess
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Dendranthema Grandiflora ◽  
Substrate Amendment ◽  
Sheep Manure ◽  
Air Space ◽  
Water Holding

Earthworm castings (vermicompost) were evaluated as a substrate amendment for chrysanthemum [Dendranthema ×grandiflora (Ramat.) Kitam.] `Miramar' production. Vermicompost produced from sheep, cattle, and horse manures were mixed at different ratios with 70 peatmoss: 30 perlite (v/v) to create 12 substrates. The 70 peatmoss: 30 perlite mix at 100% and Sunshine® Mix 1 were used as control substrates. The bulk density, percentage of pore space, and water holding capacity increased as vermicompost content increased while the percentage of air space decreased. At 100% vermicompost, water holding capacity and bulk density were greatest in vermicompost from sheep manure. Plants grown in mixtures of 50% vermicompost from sheep had a greater growth index at harvest, foliar area, number of flowers per pot, and dry weight and fewer days for flower development than plants grown in other substrates. Vermicompost from sheep manure added at 50% by volume was most effective as a substrate amendment for chrysanthemum production.

scholarly journals Physical Properties of Ground Parboiled Fresh Rice Hulls Used as a Horticultural Root Substrate

HortScience ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johann S. Buck ◽  
Michael R. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Particle Density ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Pine Bark ◽  
Rice Hull ◽  
Hammer Mill ◽  
Parboiled Rice ◽  
Greenhouse Crops ◽  
Rice Hulls ◽  
Water Holding

Fresh parboiled rice hulls ground in a hammer mill and screened through a 1.18-mm screen and collected on a 0.18-mm screen (RH3) and particles with a specific diameter of 0.5 to 1.0 mm had total pore space (TPS), air-filled pore space (AFP), and water-holding capacity (WHC) similar to that of Canadian sphagnum peat (peat). However, RH3 had more available water, a higher bulk density (BD), and a higher particle density (PD) than peat. When blended with 20% to 40% perlite or 1 cm aged pine bark, RH3-based substrates had lower TPS, similar AFP, and lower WHC than equivalent peat-based substrates. The RH3-containing substrates had higher BD and average PD than equivalent peat-based substrates. When blended with parboiled rice hulls (PBH), RH3-based substrates had lower TPS than equivalent peat-based substrates. When blended with 20% to 40% PBH, RH3-based substrates had lower AFP than equivalent peat-based substrates. RH3-based substrates containing up to 20% PBH had lower WHC than equivalent peat-based substrates. RH3-based substrates containing 40% PBH had a higher WHC than equivalent peat-based substrates. When blended with PBH, all RH3-based substrates had higher BD and average PD than equivalent peat-based substrates. The addition of 40% RH3 to a peat-based substrate containing 20% perlite decreased substrate TPS, whereas the addition of 10% to 40% decreased AFP. The addition of 10% to 30% RH3 increased WHC. The addition of 30% RH3 to a peat-based substrate containing 20% 1 cm aged pine bark decreased substrate TPS and the addition of 20% to 40% RH3 decreased AFP. The addition of 10% RH3 increased WHC, but the addition of 20% or more RH3 did not affect WHC. The addition of 30% RH3 increased the BD, but the addition of RH3 had no effect on average PD. The addition of 20% or more and 30% or more RH3 to a peat-based substrate containing 20% PBH decreased substrate TPS and AFP, respectively. The addition 20% RH3 decreased WHC. The addition of 10% to 40% RH3 increased BD. Overall, RH3 was the ground rice hull product that had physical properties most similar to peat. Peat-based substrates in which up to 40% of the peat was replaced with RH3 had physical properties that, although different from peat controls, were within commonly recommended ranges for substrates used to grow greenhouse crops.

scholarly journals Influence of Substrate Physical Properties on Container Weed Germination

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
James E. Altland ◽  
Jennifer K. Boldt
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Substrate Surface ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Pine Bark ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Weed Seed ◽  
Sphagnum Peat Moss ◽  
Bulk Substrate ◽  
Influence Of Substrate ◽  
Water Holding

Abstract Container nursery substrates in the central and eastern U.S. are composed primarily of pine bark with lesser percentages of other amendments, including sphagnum peatmoss. Peatmoss is often amended from 0% to 40% (by vol.) to increase the water holding capacity of the substrate. The objective of this research was to determine how a pine bark substrate amended with sphagnum peatmoss affects creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata L.) germination in containers with or without applications of pendimethalin herbicide. Increasing percentage of peatmoss increased the water holding capacity of the substrate; however, water availability on the substrate surface where weed seed germinate and establish was the same in all substrates. Substrates with varying levels of sphagnum peatmoss only slightly affected weed germination. While sphagnum peat moss can be used to increase the water holding characteristics of a substrate, changes in bulk substrate physical properties will not affect herbicide performance or weed germination on the substrate surface. Index words: Herbicide, irrigation, substrate, porosity, weed control. Chemicals used in this study: pendimethalin (Pendulum 2G). Species used in this study: creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata L.) (OXACO).

scholarly journals Growth of Bedding Plants in Sphagnum Peat and Coir Dust-Based Substrates

1996 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Evans ◽  
Robert H. Stamps
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Axillary Shoots ◽  
Bedding Plants ◽  
Sphagnum Peat ◽  
Bright Yellow ◽  
Water Filled Pore Space ◽  
Coir Dust ◽  
Water Holding

Abstract Water-holding capacity of substrates increased as the proportion of sphagnum peat and coir increased, and coir-based substrates had greater water-holding capacities than comparable peat-based substrates. There were no significant differences between coir and peat-based substrates with respect to bulk density, percent pore space and percent solids. Air-filled pore space and water-filled pore space decreased and increased, respectively, as the proportion of peat and coir increased. ‘Pink Elite’ geranium plants grown in coir-based substrates had greater root fresh weights than those grown in sphagnum-peat based substrates. Greatest root fresh weight occurred in an 80% coir and 20% perlite substrate. Days to flower, height, shoot fresh weight and number of axillary shoots were not significantly different between substrates. ‘Janie Bright Yellow’ marigold and ‘Blue Lace Carpet’ petunia plants had increased heights and shoot fresh weights when grown in coir-based substrates as compared with sphagnum peat-based substrates. Greatest heights and shoot fresh weights of petunia and marigold occurred in an 80% coir and 20% perlite substrate. Days to flower were reduced for marigold plants grown in coir-based substrates.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Cork Granulates as a Top Coat Substrate Component for Seed Germination as Compared to Vermiculite

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arianna Bozzolo ◽  
Michael R. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Solanum Lycopersicum ◽  
Capsicum Annuum ◽  
Catharanthus Roseus ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Impatiens Walleriana ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Number Of Seeds

A top coat is a lightweight substrate component used in seed germination. The seeds are typically placed on a substrate such as peat and then the seeds are covered with a layer of the top coating substrate. The top coat serves to maintain adequate moisture around the seeds and to exclude light. Vermiculite and cork granulates (1 mm) were used as top coat substrates for seed germination to determine if cork granulates could be successfully used as an alternative to vermiculite. The cork granulates had a bulk density of 0.16 g·cm−3, which was higher than that of vermiculite that had a bulk density of 0.12 g·cm−3. Cork granulates had an air-filled pore space of 22.7% (v/v), which was higher than vermiculite which was 13.2%. The water-holding capacity of vermiculite was 63.4% (v/v), which was higher than that of cork granulates that was 35.1%. Seeds of ‘Rutgers Select’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), ‘Dazzler Lilac Splash’ impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), ‘Orbital Cardinal Red’ geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum), ‘Better Belle’ pepper (Capsicum annuum), and ‘Cooler Grape’ vinca (Catharanthus roseus) were placed on top of peat and covered with a 4-mm top coating of either vermiculite or cork granulates. For tomato, impatiens, and vinca, days to germination were similar between seeds germinated using vermiculite and granulated cork as a top coat. Days to germination of geranium and pepper were significantly different with geranium and pepper seeds coated with cork granulates germinating 0.7 and 1.5 days earlier than those coated with vermiculite. For tomato, impatiens, and geranium, the number of seeds germinating per plug tray was similar between the top coats. Number of seeds germinating per tray for pepper and vinca were significantly different. Pepper had an average of 2.8 more seeds germinating per tray, and vinca had an average of 2.4 more seeds germinating per tray if seeds were germinated using granulated cork vs. vermiculite. For all species, dry shoot and dry root weights were similar for seedlings germinated using cork and vermiculite top coats.

scholarly journals Characterization of Biochars From Tropical Biomass

Khazanah ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Warit Abi Nurazaq ◽  
◽  
Bambang Purwantana ◽  
Radi Radi ◽  
Andri Prima Nugroho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Rice Straw ◽  
Rice Husk ◽  
Soil Amendment ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Agricultural Residue ◽  
Pyrolysis Method ◽  
Water Holding

Tropical country has a large biomass provide from agricultural residue. The biomass has potential to be processed as biochar. In general, biochar can be utilized as soil amendment in order to increase the ability of soil to retain nutrients, reduce surface runoff, due to excess water, and adding biodiversity of soils that are very useful for plant growth. The biochar characteristics are strongly related to the feedstock types and also their pyrolysis method. This research aims to study the physical characteristics of tropical biochar and their potential suitability in soil improvement. The biochar was produced by slow pyrolysis method using a vertical bed kiln. The feedstock were 9 types of agricultural residue including: mango leaf, longan leaf, teak leaf, mango branch, longan branch, rubber branch, corncob, rice straw, and rice husk. Temperature of the pyrolisis process was in the range of 400 °C to 600 °C. The results indicated that the physical properties of feedstock affects the characteristics of biochar. The higher bulk density and fixed carbon value the greater yield of biochar. Compare to their raw materials, the average water content of biochar was reduced (0.2–3.85 %), while pH increased (7.06–9.9). The electrical conductivity in general also increased (0.11–2.9 ds.m-1 ). Bulk density changed, corncob, and branches materials decreased, while rice straw, rice husk and leaves materials increased. The water holding capacity was a fairly low number (4–20 %). Application of the utilized biochar as a soil amendment is to improve soil chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, and availability of N-P contents) and physical properties (bulk density, porosity, and water holding capacity). Application for different soil types requires different biochar characteristics, it is influenced by the type of raw material used, temperature, and combustion time.

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