Work

Evaluating sustainable media mixes using local agricultural and forestry wastes for enhancing the early establishment of container-grown southern highbush blueberry in subtropical climates

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • Sustainable media mixes were developed for early establishment of container-grown blueberries. • Locally sourced peanut shells and rice husks supported optimal blueberry growth and yield. • Media with peanut shells enhanced early fruit production in ‘Biloxi’ southern highbush blueberry. • Media with spent mushroom compost raised pH and EC, negatively impacting plant health and growth. • Results support cost-effective, eco-friendly media alternatives for subtropical blueberry systems. Container-grown blueberry ( Vaccinium spp.) production using soilless substrates has gained significant attention for offering better control over growing conditions. However, the reliance on peat moss as a primary substrate poses environmental concerns due to its non-renewable nature, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the use of locally sourced agricultural and forestry wastes as alternative media mixes for container-grown ‘Biloxi’ southern highbush blueberry ( V. corymbosum interspecific hybrids) in Taiwan. The media mixes tested included combinations of ultisols with rice husks, peanut shells, spent mushroom compost, or wood chips from longan ( Dimocarpus longan Lam.) and sweetgum ( Liquidambar formosana Hance) trees. Key growth parameters, such as leachate pH, electrical conductivity (EC), shoot length, leaf area, gas exchange characteristics, plant dry weights, and fruit yield, were monitored during plant establishment. Our findings demonstrated that media mixes containing peanut shells [peanut shells: ultisols (v/ v = 2:1, PSU)] effectively maintained optimal pH and EC levels, promoting vigorous growth and early fruit production, with total dry weights comparable to the peat-based control (PMP). These growth improvements were potentially linked to increased net CO 2 assimilation rates. Conversely, the media mix with spent mushroom compost [spent mushroom compost: ultisols (v/ v = 2:1, MCU)] resulted in elevated pH and EC levels, adversely impacting plant growth. The findings suggest that locally sourced materials can serve as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to peat moss for blueberry production during the nursery or establishment phase, helping reduce costs and environmental impact. Further research is necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of these media mixes and their applicability across different blueberry cultivars and environmental conditions, focusing on their performance in later production cycles and larger container systems.

Source: Scientia Horticulturae

DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2024.113845

Authors: Ji-Lang Yang, Syuan-You Lin

Institution: National Chung Hsing University

Language: English

Topic: Berry genetics and cultivation research

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,460