Articles
Optimizing biosolid compost amendment for sustainable basil (Ocimum basilicum) transplant establishment: impacts on soil health and crop quality
Article number
1453_22
Pages
155 – 162
Language
English
Abstract
The use of biosolid compost as a soil amendment offers potential agronomic and environmental benefits, yet its impact on early-stage basil (Ocimum basilicum) plants’ development remains understudied.
This study investigated the effects of compost-amended media on basil seed germination and transplant performance.
Two commercial basil cultivars, ‘Prospera® PL4’ (PR4) and ‘Prospera® CG1’ (PR1), were evaluated in terms of seed germination rate, plant growth and physiology.
A preliminary germination trial using eight compost concentrations (0-100% v/v) identified thresholds beyond which seedling emergence and vigor declined significantly.
Soil chemical properties including pH, EC, organic matter, phosphorus, and potassium were determined.
Subsequent field trials used selected compost rates (0-30%) to evaluate transplant establishment and post-harvest quality.
Findings show that moderate compost rates (5-10%) supported optimal germination, while excessive amendment (≥30%) delayed emergence due to elevated EC levels.
These results emphasize the need for amendment screening in transplant systems and demonstrate the viability of biosolid compost at appropriate rates.
This study investigated the effects of compost-amended media on basil seed germination and transplant performance.
Two commercial basil cultivars, ‘Prospera® PL4’ (PR4) and ‘Prospera® CG1’ (PR1), were evaluated in terms of seed germination rate, plant growth and physiology.
A preliminary germination trial using eight compost concentrations (0-100% v/v) identified thresholds beyond which seedling emergence and vigor declined significantly.
Soil chemical properties including pH, EC, organic matter, phosphorus, and potassium were determined.
Subsequent field trials used selected compost rates (0-30%) to evaluate transplant establishment and post-harvest quality.
Findings show that moderate compost rates (5-10%) supported optimal germination, while excessive amendment (≥30%) delayed emergence due to elevated EC levels.
These results emphasize the need for amendment screening in transplant systems and demonstrate the viability of biosolid compost at appropriate rates.
Authors
M. Tenny, J. Griffis, S. Tasioulas, P. Tsouvaltzis
Keywords
basil (Ocimum basilicum), biosolid compost, soil health, sustainable agriculture, transplant establishment
Online Articles (29)