Refinement of potting medium ingredients for production of high quality seedlings of sandalwood (Santalum album L.)

Summary

This study was undertaken in order to refine the potting medium and improve seedling growth of Santalum album L. in root trainers. The potting medium ingredients, including sand, soil, compost, cocopeat, burnt rice husk and charcoal, were tested in fourteen combinations in 270 mL block-type root trainers using Cajanus cajan as a pot host.

A medium consisting of sand, soil, compost, burnt rice husk (BRH) and charcoal in the ratio of 25:15:50:5:5 favoured overall seedling growth in terms of height, collar diameter, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total dry weight, root fibrosity and quality index at age 6 mo. The next best medium was a mixture of sand, soil and compost in the ratio 35:15:50. Where rice husk and charcoal are not available, this second medium may be used to produce good quality seedlings.

The best potting medium for sandalwood had up to 60% organic matter mixed with sand and soil. This medium had low bulk density, good aeration and water-holding capacity, encouraged lateral root formation, and ensured good plug formation and easy plug removal. A high proportion of sand, soil or organic matter caused poor seedling growth.

Keywords:

• seedling growth
• quality
• containers
• container grown plants
• growing media
• ingredients
• bulk density
• water holding capacity
• porosity
• Santalum album
• Cajanus cajan