Here’s one topic that would elevate our plantito and plantita lifestyle!

Aggie Ps Talk 4.0 Episode 2 brings you the scientific concept in the preparation of a potting media for urban gardening.

Sharing her expertise in the field of soil fertility was Dr. Gina V. Pangga. She is a professor at the Division of Soil Science, Agricultural Systems Institute (ASI), CAFS, UPLB.

In her pre-recorded presentation, Dr. Pangga explained the importance of potting mix in urban gardening. She articulated that a soil particle contains 25% air, 25% water, 45% mineral matter, and 5% organic matter that would contribute to the needs of the soil and plants as well.

Dr. Pangga also presented some common agricultural residues that are used as materials in a potting mix. From palay residues comes the ordinary rice hull which provides aeration, and carbonized rice hull which contributes to the faster release of nutrients. She added that the three palay residues have long decomposition processes, but it is through this process that nutrients are released in forms available for plant uptake. Another agricultural residue called mudpress, which is a by-product of sugarcane production contains high cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content. Coco coir is also an agricultural residue that enhances water holding capacity of potting mix and holds nutrients. Dr. Pangga also mentioned two natural residues or mined minerals called perlite and vermiculite that exchange nutrients between water and soil.

Dr. Pangga shared that the best composition of potting mix depends on what is available in a locality. She cited that in Laguna, where there are abundant palay residues, ordinary rice hull, carbonized rice hull, and soil can be combined in a potting mix.

Dr. Pangga also demonstrated the proper mixing of potting mix materials using coco coir, carbonized rice hull, vermicompost, and sandy loam soil.

Finally, Dr. Pangga emphasized that if one plans to put up a backyard or community garden, s/he should apply different potting mixtures to maintain soil tilth which is favorable for seed germination and root proliferation allowing plants to thrive.

The second speaker for the episode was Dr. Romeo G. Labios, a scientist and an agronomist who have conducted several researches on rice and corn in the country and abroad has found a new hobby in the field of ornamental production through his family’s Avery Garden.

Dr. Labios explained that a good potting media provides water availability, retainability and drainage, favorable nutrient supply, favorable root growth, and development and controls soil borne diseases.

Dr. Labios also shared that the potting mix he uses in his ornamentals are vermicompost, pumice, and cocopeat for succulents; coco chunk and charcoal for orchids; and old rice hull, carbonized rice hull, cocopeat, river sand, coco chunk, and vermicompost for Adenium plants; and garden soil for plants with extensive root growth like bougainvilla, gumamela, and grafted calamansi. He also uses hydroton in the absence of coco chunk. He also mentioned that the usual problem in potting mix of ornamentals is that it lacks the necessary nutrients. Hence, he provides additional sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and some macronutrients needed by the plants.

Closing the episode was Dr. Andrew Gasmen, extension coordinator of ASI. He said “Engaging in urban gardening would not only add food on your table but will minimize anxieties brought about by the pandemic.” (IMGesmundo)