Effects of different growth media to the nutrient content of primula (primula obconica) plant

Imported moss peat (IMP) and native peat (NAP) that is taken from Akgöl/Turkey were used in the growth medium of primula (Primula obconica) plants. Five different growth media were prepared using IMP and NAP, and some of their basic chemical and physical properties were determined. Then, the effects of media characteristics on nutrient contents of primula plant were evaluated. All growth media was found inadequate in concentration for water soluble nutrients NO3-N, P, K, Fe and Zn but other nutrients were acceptable levels. Bulk density (BD) of growing media was found between 0.071-0.139 g cm-3. When the ratio of NAP was increased in mixtures, BD also increased. Moreover, the growth media was prepared with IMP and NAP had enough aeration capacity (AC), low available water content (AWC), and very low water buffering capacity (WBC). Cation exchange capacity (CEC) values were determined as 83.32-105.70 me 100 g-1. pH and EC of the media varied between 4.56-5.88 and 0.39-1.00 dS m-1, respectively. On the other hand, when the NAP ratio was more than 75% in the mixtures, pH level was a little out of the desired limits. Organic C level was the highest in 100% IMP media. The quality parameters and the classical growth characteristics of primula plants were not significantly different across growing media. K, Mg, S and Na contents of the plants were generally at normal levels. However, significant differences were found in total Fe, Mn and Cu contents of plants. Fe amount was enough but Mn and Cu were lower than the acceptable levels in all media. All in all, primula plants were grown successfully in all media and reached saleable quality levels despite of the differences in some nutrient contents. It was suggested that NAP can be used as an alternative to IMP for horticultural purposes, such as a production of ornamentals in a greenhouse