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Effect of humic based soil conditioner, effective microbes and fertiliser on growth and flowering of sunflower
conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-24, 12:08 authored by Sally BoundSally Bound, Abobaker, AM, Dugald CloseDugald Close, Nigel SwartsNigel SwartsBiological farming methods are becoming more widespread as many farmers are moving towards the application of composts, bio-fertilisers and other organic additives. To assess the impact of coal-based humus and effective microbes on growth of sunflower (Helianthus annus, ‘Dwarf Sunsation’), two week old seedlings were planted into 16 cm diameter pots containing a basic potting mix plus Ferbon®, a lignite based soil conditioner, at 0, 30, or 60 g per pot (equivalent to 0, 150 and 300 kg/Ha respectively). After planting, pots were placed on glasshouse benches arranged in a randomised block design with five replicates per treatment. Activated effective microbes (EM-1, sourced from Vital Resource Management Pty Ltd) were applied as a soil drench at 15 L/ha to half the pots after planting. Pots were fertilised at weekly intervals with liquid Hoaglands solution at either 100%, 50% or 0% concentration. Plants treated with EM displayed reduced leaf chlorophyll content compared with untreated plants. Un-fertilised plants had higher chlorophyll content than fertilised plants. Ferbon® had no effect on chlorophyll content except at week 7 where the highest rate showed the highest levels of chlorophyll. Treatment with EM increased number of nodes and stem height. Ferbon® had no effect on node number, but did increase stem height in week 7. The full rate of fertiliser resulted in increased stem height during the first 6 weeks of growth, but by week 7, the 50% fertiliser rate showed the same results as the full rate. Both EM and Ferbon application resulted in earlier flowering.
History
Publication title
Proceedings of the 29th International Horticultural CongressDepartment/School
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)Publisher
IHCPlace of publication
AustraliaEvent title
29th International Horticultural CongressEvent Venue
Brisbane, AustraliaDate of Event (Start Date)
2014-08-17Date of Event (End Date)
2014-08-24Repository Status
- Restricted