Files
Abstract
Positive environmental impacts and sustainability by the green industry havetranslated into increased interest of soil microbial inoculants and plantable biodegradable containers. Biodegradable containers have the potential to serve as alternatives to petroleum-based plastic containers and eliminate plastic waste and disposal and improve labor efficiency while promoting healthy plant growth. However, adoption of biodegradable containers by the landscape industry has been slow and could be due to incomplete decomposition, particularly for seasonal color rotations. A field and laboratory study evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer, soil moisture, and bark soil amendment on decomposition of several types of biodegradable containers. It appeared that soil amendment and fertilizer significantly impacted decomposition of recycled paper and coconut coir containers. There was higher carbon dioxide released for each container type in the presence of soil amendment and under low fertilizer. However, carbon : nitrogen analysis revealed higher decomposition of wood pulp and coconut coir containers under absence of amendment and for all containers under 60% WHC. The field study results confirmed that decomposition was significantly impacted by container type, with those high in cellulose (i.e. cow manure) degrading more rapidly over the six-month study. On average, low fertilizer treatment application did lead to higher degradation of coconut coir, wood pulp fiber, and recycled paper pots. To further assess adoption of biodegradable containers, an online survey instrument was implemented to assess producer and landscaper knowledge and familiarity regarding biodegradable containers in the state of Georgia. Results indicated 83% of horticultural producers do not purchase biodegradable containers. However, horticultural producers and installers agreed that useof plantable containers can limit use of plastic containers. The survey results suggest a need for augmented outreach to producers and landscapers. In our field evaluation assessing microbial inoculant performance, we found that microbial inoculants significantly influenced GI and inflorescence number in lantana. Effective Microorganims-1 (EM) and Companion Biological Fungicide (CM) appeared to positively boost GI when compared to untreated plants in 2016. In 2017, GI and inflorescence count was higher in untreated plants and in those treated with CM.