![]() Different physicochemical parameters (porosity, bulk density, pH, and CEC) of cultivation substrates were measured. Methods The research was conducted in a completely block randomized design with a linear substitution (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) of peat with date-palm waste peat for transplant production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). This study evaluates date-palm peat (wastes of date-palm branches base locally known as "Kornef") as an alternative nursery substrate. The re-use of organic wastes as substrate seems to be good solution to substitute commercial peat. Nevertheless, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in environmental impacts associated with peat extraction that has increased with the demand of these non-renewable substrates. Purpose Peat-based substrates constitute the preferred media in conventional and organic nursery production. For use as horticultural peat replacement, it is recommended that biochar feedstocks and concentrations be standardized and the potential effect of biochar on plant disease be considered, so that growers can rely on consistent and reproducible biochars for desired effects. However, studies of biochar influence on plant disease reveals that while lower concentrations (≤1%) of biochar often suppressed several diseases, higher concentrations (≥3%) were mostly ineffective or induced plant disease. Biochar mostly has positive or neutral influences on plant growth compared with peat media when present in concentrations higher than 25% (v:v). In this report we reviewed the works concerning biochar as constituent of growing media, targeting its influence on plant growth and plant disease. The increasing demand for soilless substrates and rising environmental concerns about the use of non-renewable resources such as peat has led to the search for alternative constituents of growing mixtures for containerized plants. A better understanding of the effect of higher biochar application rates as well as the number of times the potting medium can be reused without loss of potting medium properties and health can help to further cut nursery cost and reduce reliance on peat moss. ![]() Plant height was found to be the most accurate yet simple monitoring parameter studied. In addition, organic fertiliser is not required during the first 3 months of cultivation resulting in cost savings to the nursery operator. Our results demonstrated that biochar can substitute at least 5% (w/w) peat moss without negatively affecting plant height, collar diameter, number of leaves and branches, and plant health. Liquid fish fertiliser was used as organic fertiliser. Plant height, collar diameter, pH, moisture content, number of branches and leaves, and plant health were monitored weekly for 94 days. Durian seedlings were grown in 2.5 L polybags arranged in randomised complete block design with 4 replicates per treatment. Biochar was produced from durian wood logs in a top-quenched Kon-Tiki earth kiln, crushed, and mixed with peat moss at dosages of 0, 1, 2.5 and 5% (w/w). This research seeks to explore whether wood biochar produced by the environment-friendly flame curtain method can partially substitute peat moss in plant nurseries without affecting plant growth and health. The extensive use of peat moss as potting medium in nurseries worldwide is not sustainable causing peatland depletion and greenhouse gas emissions.
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