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Rabbit manure compost as a peat substitute for compound growing media: Proportioning optimization according to
Rangling Li1, Hongyun Hao1, Chengcai Yang1
1College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|November 17, 2022
Summary
Rabbit manure compost can be a sustainable growing medium for seedlings, improving plant nutrition and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study optimized its use, showing benefits over traditional peat-based media.
Area of Science:
- Horticulture
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Rabbit manure production poses environmental challenges if untreated.
- Rabbit manure compost exhibits favorable properties for seedling cultivation, including low moisture, low heavy metals, high lignocellulose, and good fertilizer value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the ratio of peat/rabbit manure compost with perlite and vermiculite for seedling growing media.
- To evaluate the seedling performance and nutrient effects of optimized rabbit manure compost-based media compared to peat.
Main Methods:
- A two-step optimization process was employed, starting with physicochemical property analysis and followed by a bioassay using calendula and cucumber.
- Physicochemical properties of growing media were analyzed.
- Seedling emergence, growth parameters, biomass, and nutrient content were evaluated in a bioassay.
Main Results:
- Rabbit manure compost-based media supported seedling emergence comparable to peat (>90%) and significantly enhanced aboveground plant nutrition.
- Specific nutrient increases included phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) by 31%-141.4% and 80.4%-107.8% for calendula, and 82.6%-117.4% and 35.1%-67.6% for cucumber, respectively.
- The optimal rabbit manure compost proportion was determined to be 30%-50% (replacing 60%-100% of peat).
Conclusions:
- Rabbit manure compost is a viable and beneficial component for seedling growing media, enhancing plant nutrient uptake.
- Utilizing rabbit manure compost instead of peat offers significant greenhouse gas emission reduction potential, estimated at 3.65 × 10^5–4.06 × 10^8 kg CO2-equivalent/year in China.
- The optimized media contribute to sustainable horticultural practices and environmental protection.
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