Effect of compost amendment on growth and flowering of Portulaca grandiflora and Portulaca pilosa

Abstract

In this study, the effects of compost supplements to clay, sand and loam on the growth and flowering of Portulaca grandiflora and Portulaca pilosa) were tested in the nursery. Compost was added to the media at the ratio of 1:2. Treatments were: clay, loam, Sand, 2 clay + 1 compost, 2 loam + 1 compost and 2 sand + 1 compost. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated six times. The two grown genotypes responded differently to the various media. Improvement in the measured parameters was noticed in almost all treatments where compost was added to the basic soil types. The most pronounced improvement in growth and flowering of the two genotypes was obtained from clay plus compost. The superiority of clay plus compost over loam which is the principle growth substrate in most nurseries in Khartoum, indicates the possibility of using this mix instead of loam alone. Further confirmatory tests are needed.