Summary
Unprocessed coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) coir (CC) of tropical origin and carbonated rice husks (CRH) were used as substrates for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production, and their characteristics as well tomato characteristics and productivity were investigated compared with the use of rock wool (RW). There were no significant differences in the stem diameter, root dry matter (%), fruit set (%), weight of individual fruit, harvest index, contents of ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, fruit pH and leaf chlorophyll content. There were smaller fluctuations in the relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and leaf area ratio (JAR) among the treatments. The results suggested that these substrates did not affect or exerted a negligible effect on the plant responses and that the productivity of tomatoes by the use of the above substrates was almost similar to that in the case of rock wool use. Based on the chemical characteristics of the substrates, crop performance, quality parameters, incidence of diseases and costbenefit analysis, CC was found to be best among the substrates for tomato hydroponics. CRH also showed suitable properties and performance for use as growing medium. Thus, CC and CRH substrates can be used successfully as amendment for container media for the production of potted crops especially in the tropical and subtropical areas.
Outcomes reported
Volume 46, pages 272-278. Checked by Claude for Rob Ward on 21 Oct 2026. Source report: Soilless coverage review, 20 Oct 2026: external candidate not in the catalogue (DOI outside Crossref, so bulk DOI import could not read it)
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