An Evaluation of the Physical and Chemical Parameters in Brassica Seedlings Grown on Various Organic Substrates

Abstract

Horticultural substrates should promote seed germination and seedling emergence. The value of the SPAD index was significantly influenced by the type of substrate. The substrates had a beneficial effect on plant height in comparison with the control substrate. Brassica plants grown on the substrates used in the experiment had a compact growth habit, which is a desirable trait in seedling production. In general, macronutrient uptake differed in Brassica plants grown on various substrates. Significant differences in this parameter were observed mainly in broccoli (increase of approx. 14%) and white cabbage (decrease of approx. 30%) grown on PRO2, and in all plants grown on PRO3 (increase of approx. 9% in broccoli, decrease of approx. 33% in white cabbage, and decrease of approx. 15% in cauliflowers). The substrates decreased the total micronutrient concentrations in broccoli leaves by around 15% (PRO1) to around 40% (PRO3) relative to the control substrate. In comparison with the control treatment, micronutrient levels in cauliflower leaves increased by around 12% on PRO1 to around 35% on PRO3. In white cabbage, the total micronutrient content of leaves increased by around 24% on PRO1, and decreased by around 20% and 35% on PRO2 and PRO3, respectively, relative to the control treatment.