Compost-Amended Media for Growth And Development Of Mexican Heather

Growth of Cuphea hyssopifolia, H.B.K. (Mexican Heather) transplants was evaluated in media containing 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% compost derived from biosolids and yard trimmings. Compost was amended with a commercial coir- or peat-based media. As compost composition in peat- or coir-based media increased from 0 to 100%, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios decreased, and media stability, N mobilization, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) increased. Bulk density increased and percent moisture decreased as more compost was added to either peat- or coir-based media. Plants grown in media with high volumes of compost (75 or 100%) had reduced growth as compared to controls (no compost). However, regardless of the percentage of compost in either peat- or coir-based media, all plants were considered marketable after 8 weeks.