Use of river waste in growing media for ornamental herbaceous perennials

Abstract

SummaryThere is increasing need for a regular supply of a uniform growth medium that has the ability to support vigorous plant growth for perennials. For that reason, the aim of this work was to determine the suitability of river waste as a growing medium for 19 ornamental perennials. Our results showed that although a signi®cant lower stability for river waste (100%) aggregates than for the soilless media was found, it could be considered as an amendment for low-humi®ed Sphagnum peat. Data for dry-weight accumulation, root thickness and main root length indicate that there is not a single mechanism of adaptation under media quality changes for different herbaceous perennial plants.