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Abstract
The effect of composting for a maximum period of 90 days on the water retention characteristics of five waste materials — coconut dust (CD) (also known as coir), mixed sawdust (SD), rice hulls (RH), sapwood sawdust (SW) and heartwood sawdust (HW) was investigated with or without the addition of nitrogen. Total porosity (TP), easily available water (EAW) and water buffering capacity (WBC) were increased with time in all five materials, while air space (AS) was decreased in all the materials except in rice hulls, where it increased. Of all the materials, CD retained the most moisture and RH the least after 90 days. SD, SW and HW had similar characteristics, and separation for utilization is unnecessary. Nitrogen addition did not affect TP and AS but slightly increased EAW and WBC. Formulation and management of potting media using these materials should take into account these moisture retention changes for maximum benefit to plants grown in them.
