Abstract

The common use of peat as a growing medium for plant production is questioned due to the negative effects on the environment and climate. Therefore, it is of great importance to find substitutes for peat with similar positive properties that have made peat one of the most important substrates in the horticultural sector. Production of biogas from organic residues is a valuable process, producing both energy and a residue, anaerobic digestate (AD), with a high content of plant nutrients. In this study, peat was partly substituted with AD of plant material origin up to 80% in a growing substrate for basil (Ocimum basilicum). Germination, yield and plant nutrient content were measured as well as chemical and physical properties of the growing media. The results showed that with 50% substitution of peat the growth in the AD/peat mix gave the same yield as for the fertilised peat on its own. No toxic or deficiency symptoms could be seen in the 50% mix. The important physical properties of the substrate were similar in peat and AD/peat mixes. However, the water-holding capacity was slightly decreased when part of the peat was substituted.

Keywords

Biogas; circular systems; growing media; Ocimum basilicum; substrate

Published in

Biological Agriculture & Horticulture
2022, volume: 38, number: 4, pages: 247-257

Authors' information