Effect of organic media on growth and development of patiola F1 horned violet (Viola cornuta L.)

The specificity of horticultural production makes it possible to use substrates based on compost from municipal and industrial waste, particularly in the cultivation of ornamental plants. Experiments were conducted in the years 2005–2007. Six horned violet cultivars (Viola cornuta L.) from Patiola F1 group and four substrates were used in them: I – sphagnum peat; II – substrate from peat and compost 1 (1:1 v/v); III – substrate from peat and compost 2 (1:1 v/v); IV – coconut fibre. Compost 1 was prepared using municipal sewage sludge (35%), potato pulp (35%) and straw (30%). Compost 2 was prepared using municipal sewage sludge (35%), potato pulp (35%) and sawdust (30%). Composts after 10 months of composting were used in the research. The addition of municipal sewage sludge composts did not cause observable adverse changes in plants grown. Composts made from municipal sewage sludge are rich in nutrients. Plants that are grown in substrates with the addition of composts and in a peat substrate grow and develop properly without the necessity of introducing top dressing.