2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Biochar (BC) can be used as an excellent alternative substrate with similar physical and chemical properties to commonly used substrates. Biochar mixes with vermicompost (VC) have positive impact on plant growth. Early germination was observed on seeds sown in biochar mixes in preliminary experiments. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of BC and VC mixes (70% and 80% BC with the rest being VC, by volume) on seed germination, compared to commercial germination mix (control). Germination was observed for 2 weeks on seven types of seeds of flowers and vegetables, including tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), celosia (Celosia plumosa), vinca (Catharanthus roseus 'Vitalia Pink'), marigold (Tagetes patula L.), zinnia (Zinnia elegans) and basil (Ocimum spp.), and 10 days on four types of seeds including cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), corn (ZEA mays var. rugosa), radish (Raphanus sativus) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo). At the end of germination test, all seedlings were harvested to measure fresh weight (FW). Emergence index (EI) and emergence percentage (EP) were calculated to reflect the germination speed and overall germination rate. The effects of BC mixes on seed germination and seedling growth vary among different plants. Okra had higher EI in 80% BC than control, and both 70% and 80% BC for tomato. Seeds of in 80% BC had similar EI, EP and FW as control except EI of celosia and pumpkin, EP of corn and pumpkin and FW of radish. No seeds in 70% BC mixes outperformed the control.