EFFECT OF SEWAGE SLUDGE AND PIG MANURE COMPOST ON THE ORNAMENTAL QUALITY OF IMPATIENS 'CANDY CORAL BEE' CONTAINER GROWN PLANTS

Composted sewage sludge containing pine bark or straw and composted pig manure was evaluated as a component of growing media for impatiens (Impatiens walleriana Hook.), grown as summer container plants. The effect of different proportions of compost in substrate mixtures on the growth parameters and flowering of plants were investigated. To assess the nutrient status of the plants the Hydro N-Tester was used. Treatments consisted of: soil: compost ratios 100:0 (control); 50:50; 30:70 and 70:30% (by volume). All composts contained recultivation substance (semi-coke: sphagnum peat ratios 1:1). Measurements during the growth period at ten day intervals showed that superior plant growth occurred generally in media containing sewage sludge, and media with less compost. The composts containing straw only at the beginning of anthesis had a significantly positive influence on the plant growth. The plants grown under the conditions of this treatment also had higher chlorophyll content in leaves than plants in other treatments. Plants grown on substrates containing pig manure compost were chlorotic and stunted in the middle of the anthesis period.