Author(s):

K Kalaivani and M Jawaharlal

Abstract: Investigation on “study on physical characterization of coco peat with different organic amendments for soilless cultivation” was carried out at Botanical garden, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Data on selected physical properties such as bulk density, particle density, porosity, water holding capacity, moisture content and evaporation rate of six different media comprising of (w/w) coco peat alone (T₁), Coco peat + Vermi compost (5:1) (T₂), Coco peat + Bio compost (5:1) (T₃), Coco peat + Press mud (5:1) (T₄), Coco peat + Vermi compost + Bio compost (5:1:1) (T₅), Coco peat + Vermi compost + Press mud (5:1:1) (T₆) were determined and their suitability as growing media was tested. The results showed that the maximum bulk density (0.14 g/cc) and particle density (0.32 g/cc) was found in Coco peat + Vermi compost + Bio compost (5:1:1) (T₅) and minimum bulk density (0.09 g/cc) and particle density (0.23 g/cc) was found in coco peat alone (T₁). The maximum porosity (61.57 %), water holding capacity (66.37 %) and moisture content (37.74 %) was observed in coco peat alone (T₁) and minimum porosity (54.90 %), water holding capacity (57.35%) and moisture content (32.80%) was observed in Coco peat + Vermi compost + Bio compost (5:1:1) (T₅). The data on evaporation rate of different media showed that the maximum water loss (95.78 %) was observed in coco peat alone (T₁) at the end of fifth day and minimum water loss (75.21 %) was registered in Coco peat + Vermi compost + Press mud (5:1:1) (T₆). Hence the findings proved the efficiency of different media for soilless cultivation to support plants in turn of its physical characteristics.

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