Preliminary studies on some local materials for propagation media. 1. Physical and chemical properties.

Abstract

Several materials for raising seedlings in containers before field transplanting were studied, namely coir dust, sawdust, coffee parchments, charcoal dust, local peat moss and sisal waste. Data are presented on their physical characteristics and chemical composition. Coir dust had the highest water holding capacity and coffee parchments the lowest. Coir dust, sawdust and coffee parchments were acidic, and sisal waste and charcoal dust were alkaline.