The influence of additives to the peat substrate on the yielding and chemical composition of sweet pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) grown in greenhouse

Abstract

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of using various additives to the substrate on the yield and quality of sweet pepper fruits grown in greenhouse. In the experiment four objects were used: 1) peat substrate (control object), 2) peat substrate with coconut fiber, 3) peat substrate with an addition of expanded keramzite, and 4) peat substrate with an addition of perlite. The experiment showed no significant effect of additives on the early, marketable and total yield of fruits and on the content of chlorophyll b. Beneficial effects of coconut fiber added to the substrate were found on the fruit quality: dry matter content, soluble sugar and L-ascorbic acid. The additive of perlite to the substrate had a significant effect on chlorophyll a and chlorophyll a : b ratio. Significant differences in the content of the analysed macroelements: Ca, K, Mg and P in fruits were found depending on the type of substrate used.

Keywords

• coconut fiber
• keramzite
• nutritional value
• peat
• perlite