The effects of coirpith compost on the growth and quality of leaves of themulberry plant Morus alba L.

The effects of addition of coirpith compost (CPC) (5-25 g/3 kg of soil) on the above-ground (plant height, number of branches and leaves, leaf area an d weight of the leaves), and below-ground (root length, number of roots and weight of the roots) parameters and the quality of leaves (chlorophyll and nitrogen) were studied. The responses of the various parameters to additio n of increasing quantities of CPC were different. Compost at 5 g or more pe r 3 kg soil produced a significant increase over the control in the number of roots. At 10 g compost or more the length of roots and nitrogen content of leaves were increased, while 15 g or more increased the wet and dry weig hts of roots. At 20 g or 25 g the plant height and wet and dry weights of l eaves were increased, whereas only 25 g compost increased leaf chlorophyll and the number of branches and leaves. Excepting individual leaf area, whic h did not show a statistically significant increase even with the 25 g comp ost treatment, all parameters recorded the greatest response at 25 g compos t. Considering the influence in increasing the growth and quality of leaves , CPC supplementation is recommended for mulberry cultivation. (C) 1999 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.