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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #212538
Title: Lime and Micronutrient Use in Clean Chip Residual Substrate Amended with Composted Poultry Litter or Peat for Use in Annual Production

Author
item BOYER, C - AUBURN UNIVERSITY
item GILLIAM, C - AUBURN UNIVERSITY
item FAIN, G - AUBURN UNIVERSITY
item SIBLEY, J - AUBURN UNIVERSITY
item Torbert, Henry - Allen
item GALLAGHER, T - AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Southern Nursery Association Research Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/8/2009
Publication Date: 8/8/2009
Citation: Boyer, C.R., Gilliam, C.H., Fain, G.B., Sibley, J.L., Torbert III, H.A., Gallagher, T.V. 2009. Lime and Micronutrient Use in Clean Chip Residual Substrate Amended with Composted Poultry Litter or Peat for Use in Annual Production. In: Proceedings of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, August 8-9-, 2007, Atlanta, Georgia. 52:76-79.

Interpretive Summary: Clean Chip Residual (CCR) has been identified as possible replacement for pine bark (PB) in nursery and greenhouse production. Poultry litter is a major waste problem in Alabama for which alternative uses need to be explored. Pine bark, CCR, Composted poultry litter (CPL) CPL and peat were tested in 7:1 v:v ratios with each other and with or without lime or micronutrients to determine the best substrates for annual production. Results indicate that Petunia x hybrida ‘Dreams Sky Blue’ can be grown in PB or CCR, but use of CPL is not recommended for Petunia. Lime and micronutrient did not produce substantial differences in plant growth.

Technical Abstract: Clean Chip Residual (CCR) has been identified as possible replacement for pine bark (PB) in nursery and greenhouse production. Poultry litter is a major waste problem in Alabama for which alternative uses need to be explored. Pine bark, CCR, Composted poultry litter (CPL) CPL and peat were tested in 7:1 v:v ratios with each other and with or without lime or micronutrients to determine the best substrates for annual production. CCR was processed through a 4-inch screen in the field. A hammer mill was used to further process CCR to pass a 0.19 inch screen. The CPL was composted for three days in an in-vessel composter. Substrates were mixed in a 7:1 ratio with either of the two amendments creating four main substrate mixes. Four-inch containers were filled and planted with two plugs (228 cell) of Petunia x hybrida ‘Dreams Sky Blue’. Four replications were harvested at 21 days after planting (DAP) and the remainder were harvested at 35 DAP. PB and CCR were similar in plant growth response while plants grown in substrates amended with CPL exhibited a reduction in growth. Lime and micronutrient use did not make an appreciable difference in plant growth for Petunia ‘Dreams Sky Blue’. Pine bark, CCR, and peat can therefore be recommended as substrates for Petunia. Composted poultry litter is not recommended for use as an amendment in production of Petunia x hybrida ‘Dreams Sky Blue’.