Rice Husks and Leaf Mold Used as Peat Substitutes to Improve the Morphological, Photosynthetic, and Biochemical Properties of Chrysanthemum ( Chrysanthemum × morifolium )

Shuguang Liu, Mingyu Liu, Shengyan Chen, Xingyu Ni, Kaiyuan Zhang, Liran Yue () and Yunwei Zhou ()
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Shuguang Liu: College of Landscape Architecture, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Mingyu Liu: College of Landscape Architecture, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Shengyan Chen: College of Landscape Architecture, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Xingyu Ni: College of Landscape Architecture, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Kaiyuan Zhang: College of Landscape Architecture, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Liran Yue: College of Landscape Architecture, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Yunwei Zhou: College of Horticulture, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 23, 1-16

Abstract: Chrysanthemums ( Chrysanthemum × morifolium ) are highly valued for their ornamental and economic benefits. However, the commonly used growing medium for chrysanthemums, peat, is not renewable, and peatlands are facing depletion. Therefore, it is important to find sustainable alternatives to peat. This study aims to evaluate the potential of rice husks and leaf mold mixed with peat and perlite in different ratios (10–20–30–40–80% v / v / v / v ) as substitute materials for peat in chrysanthemum production. The study examines the physical and chemical properties of the different growing media ratios, as well as their effects on plant growth, development, and physiological indicators. The results of the experiment demonstrate that the different ratios of the cultivation substrate significantly influence the physical and chemical properties of the growing medium, as well as the growth and physiological indicators of chrysanthemums. A 20–30% proportion of rice husks and leaf mold promotes the growth and photosynthetic activity of chrysanthemum cuttings, resulting in increased plant height, leaf area, total chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate. The mixed substrates (10–40%) maintain suitable pH levels, electrical conductivity (EC), and nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). However, an 80% ratio of rice husks negatively affects plant survival and growth due to elevated EC and potassium levels. In conclusion, a peat medium containing 20% rice husks and leaf mold provides a more favorable cultivation substrate for producing high-quality chrysanthemums while promoting sustainable horticultural practices.

Keywords: peat; chrysanthemum; sustainable alternatives; rice husk; leaf mold (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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