EVALUATION OF GROWING MEDIA FOR CONSUMER USE

Submitted by Erin Rasmussen on

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Waller, P.L.; Wilson, F.N.

Source:

Acta Hort. (ISHS), Number Acta Hort. (ISHS) 150:51, p.51-58 (1984)

URL:

http://www.actahort.org/books/150/150_5.htm

Abstract:

This paper is based on over 20 years experience in the development and evaluation of proprietary growing media at Fisons Levington Research Station in England. It is concerned primarily with media which are sold on the retail market for use by home or hobby gardeners, most of whom are unskilled or casual users of such products.The physical and chemical criteria frequently used to describe and compare growing media are reviewed. It is concluded that such statements and declarations can be misleading and are often irrelevant to a product's performance.It is only by properly conducted growing tests that growing media can be reliably assessed and meaningfully compared. Test species and methods employed by Fisons are discussed and illustrated with reference to an evaluation of media sold in North America.The position, influence and r