Effect of Peat-Perlite Substrate Compaction in Hiko V265 Trays on the Growth of Fagus sylvatica L. Seedlings

Abstract

The growth of seedlings depends on many factors: the availability of light, water, and minerals, as well as the type and physical properties of the substrate, including its density. The effect of different levels of compaction of the peat-perlite substrate on the growth of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings in container nursery has not been investigated so far. In presented research, nine variants of peat-perlite substrate compaction (in three replications), with the actual bulk density ranging between 0.196 and 0.317 g·cm−3, were prepared in Hiko V265 nursery trays. European beech seeds were sown in the trays, and a seedling was grown in the production field. After the cultivation period, selected parameters were measured. The results reveal that substrate in a wide range of compaction (dry bulk density: 0.078–0.127 g·cm−3) had an impact on the height of seedlings, root dry matter, and the mean length of coarse roots and fine roots. The best shoot-to-root ratio and sturdiness quotient were observed in the seedlings growing on the substrate with the lowest compaction. Based on the results, compaction at the level of 0.196 g·cm−3 is recommended for the cultivation of European beech in Hiko V265 nursery trays.

Leachate Tables as a Tool for Monitoring Changes in Physical and Chemical Parameters of the Peat Substrate in the Cells of Nursery Containers

“…For the experiment, a leachate table (Figure 2) was designed and constructed that would enable the collection of liquid filtrate and substrate samples from the cells of nursery containers during the long-term irrigation process and fertilization using an irrigation ramp (Figure 1). 5), drawers (6), guides (7), valves (8), collecting tanks II (9), drainage racks (10), measuring cylinders (11), rods with nuts (12), base (13), lower templates (14), upper templates (15), drainage gutters II (16), collecting tank II (17), steel cables (18), protective foil (19).…”

“…Irrigation and fertilization are carried out by means of a sprinkler arm moving above the table (3). Drainage gutters I( 4) are situated at the beginning and end of the frame, in the parts outside the working area that holds the containers, for draining water from under 5), drawers (6), guides (7), valves (8), collecting tanks II (9), drainage racks (10), measuring cylinders (11), rods with nuts (12), base (13), lower templates (14), upper templates (15), drainage gutters II (16), collecting tank II (17), steel cables (18), protective foil (19).…”

“…These gutters discharge the liquid into a marked collecting tank III (17) to measure the amount of liquid that drained but did not reach the containers. Steel cables (18) are mounted in the upper part on the extreme, higher vertical elements of the frame, on which aprons made of protective foil (19) were mounted so that the working liquid during rain would not splash outside the measuring station and accumulate in longitudinal gutters (16). Based on the amount of water accumulating in the outflow collecting tanks I, II, III (5, 9, and 17) and in the liquid-measuring cylinders (11), a water flow balance could be determined at the drainage station.…”

“…It is characterized by its high porosity and waterholding capacity, as well as its sterility and low mineral content, which facilitates the determination of fertilization doses [1]. Inappropriate physical parameters of the substrate are difficult to correct; the main problem is air capacity being too low or too high, which is related to substrate compaction [18][19][20]. The degree of compaction and subsidence of the substrate in the container cells is influenced by its granulometric composition.…”

“…Figure 2. The scheme of a newly developed station for collecting liquid leachate from container cells with a ramp for irrigation and fertilization-Patent 242506 (specified in Section 6): frame (1), containers (2), sprinkler arm (3), drainage gutters I (4), collecting tank I (5), drawers(6), guides(7), valves (8), collecting tanks II (9), drainage racks(10), measuring cylinders(11), rods with nuts (12), base(13), lower templates(14), upper templates(15), drainage gutters II(16), collecting tank II(17), steel cables(18), protective foil(19).…”