Document Type : Full Paper
Authors
1
Ph.D. Candidate, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
2
Associate Professor, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
3
Professor, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the maturation time of rice husk compost and its effect on some substrate quality characteristics and growth indices of marigold flowers in greenhouse conditions. In this study, the time to produce complete compost was 90 days and sampling was done at 0, 30, 60 and 90 days. The bulk density indices, C/N, EC, pH and elements N, P and K were measured to quantitatively compare the compost properties. The results showed that compared to the available standard values, 90-day rice husk compost (RHC90) has better quality characteristics and is more stable than 60-day rice husk compost (RHC60). To evaluate the maturity of RHC60 and RHC90 with control in marigold planting, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 3 different substrates and 6 replications. The substrate consistsed of soil, sand and perlite and organic matter in equal proportions and control without organic matter. RHC60 substrate treatment showed the highest results on Marigold characteristics including leaf area, number of leaves, stem length, root volume and plant dry and wet weight,,while RHC9 0 treatment responded better for chlorophyll, mean leaf diameter and flower head diameter. RHC90 treatment showed better yield in the plant and is therefore recommended as marigold substrate. RHC60 treatment is recommended in landscapes by considering its effects on reducing the production time and increasing yield and economic efficiency and also the appearance of flowers and the need for landscapes.
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