Effects of Addition of Compost and Fertilizer to Growth Media on Plant Growth and Flowering of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hooker f.)

Abstract

This study was carried out for two years (2021-2022) in greenhouse conditions. Different rates of compost (0-20% and 40%) and EC levels (EC 750 µS/cm – EC 1100 µS/cm and EC 1450 µS/cm) were added to the growing medium. The best results were obtained from the no compost application (0%) was applied in flower stalk length, flower stalk thickness, flower diameter, branch weight, SPAD value, vase life, root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight and yield parameters. When the effect of different fertilization levels was examined, the best results were found at the EC 1100 µS/cm fertilization level in flower stalk length, flower diameter, branch weight, vase life, root length, root dry weight and yield parameters. As a result of combining compost and fertilization applications at different rates, it was observed that 0% compost application had a positive effect on flower stem length, flower stem thickness, flower diameter, branch weight and vase life parameters compared to other applications in growing environments with an EC level of 750 µS/cm. It is the most beneficial in growing environments with 40% compost application at plant height and 1100 µS/cm EC level, 0% compost application at spad value and root length, and EC level 1100 µS/cm, 0% EC level at root wet weight and 1450 µS/cm EC level. good results have been obtained. When the two-year data are compared, it has been determined that the growth and flowering of the gerbera plant is better in the second year with the effect of the development feature and applications. As a result, it has been determined that the increase in the compost ratio in gerbera restricts plant growth in general.