Abstract:
Commercially, in hydroponic cultivations, coir peat is mainly used to produce nursery pellets. However, to improve the quality and to reduce the waste from coconut pellet production (known as short fine fibres), it can be blended with coco peat. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop nursery pellets using a blend of coco peat with short fine coconut fibre for raising vegetable seedlings. Brinjal (variety Josophina) and chili (variety MICH HY01) were used as experimental crops. Ten treatments were prepared using fine short coconut fibre (FSCF) and coco peat (CP) in a 1:1 ratio, such as T1 (< 1 mm FSCF + 0.5 mm CP), T2 (< 1 mm FSCF + 0.5 mm - 1 mm CP), T3 (< 1 mm FSCF + 1 mm - 2 mm CP), T4 (1 mm - 2 mm FSCF + 0.5 mm CP), T5 (1 mm - 2 mm FSCF + 0.5 mm - 1 mm CP), T6 (1 mm - 2 mm FSCF + 1 mm - 2 mm CP), T7 (> 2 mm FSCF + 0.5 mm CP), T8 (> 2 mm FSCF + 0.5 mm - 1 mm CP), T9 (> 2 mm FSCF + 1 mm - 2 mm CP), T10 (commercial nursery pellet). Completely randomized design with three replicates was used as the experimental design. The pH and EC of pellets, germination percentage, plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, dry weight of the seedlings, and Vigor index were measured. ANOVA was adapted to analyse the data statistically. Means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at a 5% probability level. According to the results, pH (5.5 - 6.5) and EC (< 600 μS/cm) of all treatments were at standard levels. Further, results revealed that for chili, significantly higher germination rates, Vigor index, plant height, stem girth, and dry weight were observed in T5, T6, T8, T9, and T10, and for brinjal, significantly higher values for these parameters were recorded in T5, T6, and T10. Because the blended media improved water retention and aeration, enhancing root growth, nutrient uptake, and overall vigor in both crops. Therefore, a blend of coco peat and short fine fibre improves the performance of nursery pellets while improving the growth of brinjal and chili seedlings.
