Assessment of phosphogypsum use in a nursery for plant propagation

• Published in: International journal of environmental studies Vol. 75; no. 2; pp. 284 - 293
• Main Authors: Ghazel, Naziha, Saadaoui, Ezzeddine, Ben Romdhane, Chokri, Abbès, Noureddine, Grira, Mohamed, Abdelkebir, Saad, Aydi, Samir, Abdallah, Lotfi, Mars, Mohamed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Routledge 04.03.2018; Gordon and Breach Science Publishers
• Subjects: biomass; Cuttings; Electrical conductivity; Electrical resistivity; Environmental science; Environmental studies; Eucalyptus; Fertilization; Ficus benjamina; Germination; growth; Gypsum; Multiplication; Ornamental plants; Phosphogypsum; Phosphogypsum (PG); Plant propagation; Plant species; Propagation; Rooting; Species; Substrates; Washingtonia filifera
• ISSN: 0020-7233; 1029-0400
• DOI: 10.1080/00207233.2017.1356631

Phosphogypsum (PG) was used as substrate for the multiplication of eight ornamental species; six by cuttings and two by sowing. The results obtained showed a high rooting or percent germination for the six plants: Ficus benjamina, Pelargonium × Hortorum, Washingtonia filifera, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Acalypha wilkesiana. For a percentage of 50% PG, only F. benjamina, H. rosa sinensis and W. filifera showed high percentage rooting. Plant vigour (height and biomass) depends on both species and treatment. Two species showed high sensitivity to PG during the propagation by cuttings, Nerium oleander and Myoporum laetum. We observed high variation in substrate characteristics; with 50% PG, pH was increased from 2.84 to 6.22, and electrical conductivity (EC) and gypsum concentration were reduced from 15.56 to 4.23 mS/cm from 36.23 to 11.82%, respectively. The results showed the possibility of using PG in nurseries for the multiplication and fertilization of several forest and ornamental plant species by cuttings and sowing.