Summary
This field trial evaluated the use of discarded coir substrates combined with four irrigation levels (140%, 100%, 60% of crop evapotranspiration, and non-irrigated control) for cabbage cultivation in waterlogged paddy-converted fields. The interaction between coir substrate and controlled irrigation—particularly at 100% and 60% evapotranspiration—significantly enhanced cabbage growth, photosynthetic activity, and stress resistance compared to conventional paddy soil. The combination of coir substrate with 60% evapotranspiration irrigation achieved the highest water use efficiency, suggesting a low-cost, resource-efficient solution for mitigating waterlogging in converted paddy farmland.
Regional applicability
Whilst UK horticultural systems do not typically utilise converted paddy fields, the findings on coir substrate reuse and irrigation optimisation may have relevance for UK growers managing poorly drained or waterlogged soils. Coir as a soil amendment is commercially available in the UK market; however, local validation would be needed to establish optimal irrigation schedules under UK climatic conditions and soil types.
Key measures
Outer leaf growth, yield components, water use efficiency (WUE), photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll content, proline content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, glucosinolates (GLs) content
Outcomes reported
The study measured cabbage growth, yield components, water use efficiency, photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll content, stress markers (proline and malondialdehyde), and glucosinolate content across two cultivation methods and four irrigation regimes. Results demonstrated that coir substrate combined with controlled irrigation significantly improved plant performance and stress resilience compared to traditional paddy soil cultivation.
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