Supplement of biochar and vermicompost amendments in coir and peat growing media improves N management and yields of leafy vegetables

A greenhouse trial assessed the effects of biochar and vermicompost as partial substitutes conventional growing media on leafy vegetables’ yields changes NH 4 + -N NO 3 − in medium leachates. Six mixtures [(a) coir, (b) coir biochar, (c) vermicompost, (d) peat, (e) peat +vermicompost, (f) biochar] combined with three nitrogen (N) rates [0% (0 g N·pot −1 ), 50% (0.5 100% (1.0 ) commercial recommendation] were arranged a split-plot design replicates. On average, yield gap between N was improved when used (32% 28% vs. 49%) (14% 18% 27%). The concentrations leachates for varied 17.20 1.00 mg·L . 130.0 1.0 60 vermicompost. residual did not match observed -N, much lower indicates possible retention by loss through volatilization early growth stages. Our results show that substitution maintained acceptable crop at due probably to supply decreased mineral which could be beneficial environment.