Journal of Environmental Biology

Physico-chemical and hydrological properties of soilless substrates 

Anbarasu Mariyappillai* and Gurusamy Arumugam 

Department of Agronomy (Farm), Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai - 625 104, India

*Corresponding Author Email : manbarasu102@gmail.com

Received: 03.05.2020                                                                        Revised: 17.08.2020                                         Accepted: 08.12.2020

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the physico-chemical and hydrological characteristics of cocopith, perlite, vermicullite, vermicompost, sand, rice husk, paddy straw, saw dust and rock wool for using them as substrates for soilless agriculture.

Methodology: The soilless substrates were initially evaluated for pH and EC, and then estimated for total organic carbon by dry combustion method, total nitrogen by Kjeldahl digestion method, potassium by atomic absorption and phosphorus by colorimetric method. The hydrological properties of substrates were estimated by Keen - Rackzowski box method.

Results: The desirable level of physical properties of bulk density (0.47 gm cm^-3), particle density (0.63 gm  cm^-3), total porosity (75.81%) and chemical properties of pH (6.23), EC (5.02 dS m^-1), total organic carbon (36.39 %), and other properties were noticed under cocopith. The maximum level of water holding capacity (769.30 %) and volume of expansion (185.78 %) was registered by cocopith.      

Interpretation: Cocopith has favourable hydrological properties with desirable level of physical and chemical properties, which makes it the best medium for soilless agriculture. Coconut fiber is a characteristic natural fiber from the external husk of coconut and its extraction process also without polluting nature.       

Key words: Cocopith, Perlite, Rockwool, Soilless agriculture, Vermiculite

Copyright © 2021 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).