Abstract:
Soilless transplant production has revolutionized vegetable cultivation by creating a controlled
environment to optimize yield and quality. An economically viable soilless substrate with
desirable physical and chemical properties is imperative. Common water hyacinth (Eichhornia
crassipes), a noxious aquatic weed in Sri Lanka, presents potential as a valuable substrate for
compost and enhanced crop yields. This research aims to refine E. crassipes fiber as a soilless
nursery substrate for transplant production. The study was conducted at the University of
Ruhuna from July to October 2023. Physico-chemical parameters (bulk density, water holding
capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, and particle size distribution) were assessed in five
treatments: 100% cocopeat (control-T1), 75% cocopeat + 25% E. crassipes fiber (T2), 50%
cocopeat + 50% E. crassipes fiber (T3), 25% cocopeat + 75% E. crassipes fiber (T4), and 100% E.
crassipes fiber (T5), under a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Substrate efficacy was
evaluated using brinjal (Solanum melongena) (Variety-Raveena 135 F1) and tomato (Solanum
lycopersicum) (Variety-Platinum 701 F1) seedlings. Parameters such as germination percentage,
days to 80% germination, stem base thickness, leaves per plant, stem height, and seedling dry
weight were recorded. Results indicated that substrates contained E. crassipes fiber exhibited
superior physical and chemical properties. Notably, T4 showed a significantly higher (P>0.05)
difference in leaves per plant and stem height. In conclusion, T4 emerged as the superior option
for transplant seedling production.
