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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #68282
Title: KENAF CORE AS A POTTING MIX COMPONENT

Author
item Webber Iii, Charles
item WHITWORTH, JULIA - OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
item DOLE, JOHN - OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Kenaf Association International Conference Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Kenaf stalks contain two distinct fiber types, bast and core. The absorbent low density core material is a possible potting mix component. Two greenhouse research studies were conducted during 1993 and 1995 to determine the feasibility of substituting kenaf core material for vermiculite and bark. In study #1, fine-grade kenaf was used in three ratios (1X, 2X and 3X) with peat moss and perlite, and compared to a 1:1:1 ratio of vermiculite:peat moss :perlite. In study #2, coarse-grade kenaf was used in three ratios (1X, 2X and 3X) with peat moss, and compared to a 1:1 ratio of bark:peat moss. Each study had three replications with five containers per treatment. Periwinkles seedlings were transplanted into 13 cm pots and harvested approximately 10 weeks after transplanting. Plant heights, diameters, shoot weights, and root weights were determined at the end of each study. Periwinkle heights, diameters and shoot weights decreased as the ratio of kenaf core material increased in each study. Th ratio of kenaf core material had little or no effect on periwinkle root weights. These research studies suggest that kenaf core material should be limited in its use as a potting mix component for periwinkle production.