Physico-chemical and hydrological properties of soilless substrates

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.