Abstract

LAO, MT  and  JIMENEZ, S. Evaluation of almond shell as a culture substratefor ornamental plants. II. Ficus benjamina: (with 3 tables & 2 figures). Phyton (B. Aires) [online]. 2004, vol.73, pp.79-84. ISSN 1851-5657.

Some technical and economic problems currently limit the use of substrates. The main problems include the lack of reciprocal adaptation of the cultivation technics and the substrate,the possible presence of pathogens, and the cost involved. To these we must add the ecological problems of the extraction areas, since there are no short-term renewable resources, especially in peat, the classic substrate. This has motivated the search for substitutes, especially amongst indigenous materials and those easily obtainable locally, such straws cereals, rice husk and cork residuous.    The use of these substrates should be evaluated agronomically for: physical, chemical and cultural properties. The characterisation and use of almond shell (Prunus dulcis) as a horticultural substrate substitute for growing ornamental plants were studied.    The study involved 4 almond shell and peat mixtures (20:80,40:60, 60:40 and 80:20 in almond shell and peat volume respectively), as well as those of a control mixture consisting of peat and expanded clay (33.3: 66.6 in volume of expanded clay and peat respectively). The evaluated plant was Ficus benjamina. The plants crop in mixture 20:80 present hight height, dry and fresh weight aerial and root zone and nitrogen foliar level.

Keywords : Substrate; mixture; peat; expanded clay.

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