The 2012 ASHS Annual Conference
11816:
Use of Biocontainers for Short- and Long-term Greenhouse Production
11816:
Use of Biocontainers for Short- and Long-term Greenhouse Production
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Grand Ballroom
Past biocontainer research in greenhouse production has generated mixed results with regard to plant growth and appearance. In several instances, conventional plastic containers have outperformed biocontainers alternatives. However, these differences were typically seen in studies where watering was applied uniformly across container types without regard to individual container porosity. As such, differences in plant performance may be confounded by the presence of unequal media moisture levels. This study expands on past research, comparing 9 commercially available biocontainers (i.e., bioplastic, bioplastic sleeve, coir, pressed-manure, peat and paper, slotted rice-hull, solid rice-hull, straw, and wood pulp) to a conventional plastic control. Short-term (Sunpatiens ‘Compacta’) and long-term (Lavender ‘Elegans Ice’) crops were grown for 6 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. Irrigation need was monitored by pot type and applied as needed to limit differences in media moisture conditions. Plant volume and soil chemistry measures (EC and pH) were collected on a bi-weekly basis. At the conclusion of the experiment, final leaf area and aboveground dry weights were measured and compared across pot type within each of the species assessed. For both of the long- and short-term crops investigated, pot type had no significant impact on plant volume, leaf area, or aboveground dry weight. Soil pH did differ by container type. However, this statistical significance does not appear to translate into biological significance with regard to plant performance. Pots from this growth experiment were analyzed to assess impact of crop production length on residual container strength (compared to new containers). Results from this mechanical testing and the above greenhouse trial are part of a larger, multi-institutional research endeavor that is assessing the biological, environmental, and economic implications associated with the integration of biocontainers in horticultural production.