Changes in physico-chemical properties of moss peat based root media and growth of potted chrysanthemums as influenced by blending ratios of root media in a C-channel mat irrigation system.

This experiment was conducted to investigate physical and chemical characteristics by volume fractions of root media using peatmoss, perlite, and vermiculite, along with effects on the growth of pot chrysanthemums (Dendranthema × grandiflorum ‘Vemini’) in a C-channel mat irrigation system. To evaluate the physico-chemical properties of 20 root media, the bulk density, particle density, total pore space, pore space, ash content, organic matter, pH, and electrical conductivity were measured and data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). PCA scores revealed that physico-chemical properties changed by the blending of peatmoss, perlite, and vermiculite. The 20 root media were divided into three main groups by hierarchical cluster analysis. At the end of the experiment, the pH and EC of the root media were measured from media divided into four layers. The pH of root media without plants showed a strong linear relationship and the pH of root media with plants increased exponentially. The change of EC in the root medium was indicated as a hyperbolic curve. Plant growth characteristics according to growth in the 20 root media were analyzed by PCA. It was found that the mixing ratios of the root media affected plant growth characteristics. Therefore, mixing ratio is an important factor for pot-plant production in a subirrigation system.