Effects of bio-extracts on the growth of Chinese kale

Abstract

The effectiveness of three bio-extracts: Chinese kale, Chinese cabbage and soybean on Chinese kale growth was compared. The nutrient composition and chemical properties of the three bio-extracts were investigated. The various concentrations of each bio-extract were applied daily to the supporting media, to enhance Chinese kale growth. The height, fresh weight and dry weight of the Chinese kale were measured for both stems and leaves. The results showed that the acidic condition of all bio-extracts had a high electrical conductivity (EC). However, the nutrient concentration in each bio-extract was noted to be less than that of the complete nutrient solution. Furthermore, soybean bio-extract performed the best in the most acidic conditions, had the highest EC values, and the greatest amount of total nutrients. Chinese kale and Chinese cabbage bio-extracts performed similarly in terms of chemical characteristics. With regard to growth enhancement using these bio-extracts with determined concentrations, a complete nutrient solution gave the best height and both fresh and dry weights, and showed a significant statistical difference from the other two bio-extracts. Soybean bio-extract was the most effective bio-extract to enhance growth.