Study on the Effect of Kitchen Waste Compost Substrate on the Cultivation of <i>Brassica chinensis</i> L.

Abstract

To test the effect of a substrate made from kitchen waste compost rather than partial peat on the growth of pak choi (Brassica chinensis L.). In indoor pots, four substrates were prepared by volume: 80% peat + 20% vermiculite (T1), 70% peat + 10% kitchen waste compost + 20% vermiculite (T2), 60% peat + 20% kitchen waste compost + 20% vermiculite (T3), and 50% peat + 30% kitchen waste compost + 20% vermiculite (T4). Soil was used as a control in the studies. The physicochemical properties of the four substrates, and the seed germination, growth, and quality of pak choi were all investigated. The results showed that the addition of kitchen waste compost increased the pH, EC, and bulk weight of the substrates while decreasing the aeration porosity. The addition of kitchen waste compost considerably enhanced the alkaline nitrogen, effective phosphorus, fast-acting potassium, and organic matter content of the substrates. Overall, the 70% peat + 10% kitchen waste compost + 20% vermiculite cultivation substrate formulation had a substantial effect on the quality indices of pak choi, delivering better growth results than soil. On the basis of this study, it is suggested that the cultivation substrate employing kitchen waste compost be optimized in order to further reduce the amount of peat utilized.

Analysis of Total Organic Waste and Potential for Replacing Chemical Fertilizers in China

“…If livestock and poultry manure can completely achieve fertilizer use, the fertilizer replacement rate of nutrients in livestock and poultry manure will be more than 60% [25]. At present, different types of organic waste in China have different potential and contribution to return to the field [26]. The fertilization of straw is divided into two forms: direct return to the field and processing of commercial organic fertilizer [27,28].…”

Suitability Analysis of Kitchen Waste Compost for Rice Seedling Substrate Preparation

“…The pH and EC values, as well as the concentrations of alkaline dissolved nitrogen, effective phosphorus, quick-acting potassium, and organic matter in the sample substrates, were determined following the methodology outlined by Liu et al [2] Growth Indicators Five days post-sowing, the count of emerged rice seedlings was recorded, and the seedling emergence rate was subsequently calculated. After fourteen days, 15 seedlings were randomly selected from each seedling tray, and their plant heights and stem thicknesses were measured using a straightedge and a vernier caliper, respectively.…”

“…However, concomitant with this progress, the environmental challenges stemming from the management of kitchen waste (KW) have become progressively conspicuous [1]. The substantial volume and intricate composition of KW constitute two fundamental aspects, presenting a significant impediment to the scientific categorization of waste and the utilization of organic waste resources [2].…”

Improved Evaluation of Seedling Cultivation Efficiency in Coconut Coir Substrate through the Addition of Diverse Nutrient Sources

“…Post-incubation assessment criteria included germination rate, total root length, and seedling root fresh weight. Germination index was calculated using germination rate and total root length, with the calculation formula as follows: Following the methodology outlined by Liu et al [18], the research was conducted using the trayseedling method. Each well in the tray contained one cucumber seed, with a total of 50 wells per tray.…”