Improving Eichhornia crassipes fiber as soilless nursery substrate for transplant production of vegetables.

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.