Vol. 126 (2013): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Ornamental, Garden & Landscape

Performance of Vinca (Catharanthus roseus L.) Grown in Binary Mixtures of Sugarcane Filter Press Mud and Vermiculite

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  • Nicholas A Larson,
  • Kimberly Moore
Nicholas A Larson
University of Florida, IFAS, Everglades Research and Education Center, 3200 E. Palm Beach Road, Belle Glade, FL 33430
Kimberly Moore
University of Florida, IFAS, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, 3205 College Drive, Davie, FL 33314

Published 2013-12-01

Keywords

  • cachaza,
  • mill mud,
  • sugarcane residuals,
  • bedding plants,
  • compost

Abstract

Sugarcane filter press mud (FPM) is a waste product of sugarcane milling that contains soil, crop residue, ash, lime, and wax that is filtered out of the sugarcane juice during the juice clarification process. FPM is used extensively throughout the tropics as a soil amendment and fertilizer source; however, research into its use as a substrate for production of ornamentals is limited. In this study, binary mixtures of FPM and vermiculite were compared to a commercially available substrate. Growth and development of vinca plants grown with FPM was increased, indicating that FPM has potential as a locally derived substrate for South Florida nurseries.

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