Effect Of Three Soil Components On Fern Growth

Abstract

Experiments were performed to determine the effect of various concentrations of calcium, phosphorous, and pH on sporophyte growth of Notholaena sinuata and Pellaea atropurpurea. Growth of both species was limited in media containing 400 and 1200 ppm calcium. Notholaena sinuata and Pellaea atropurpurea showed vigorous growth at 5.0 ppm phosphorous. Their growth differed at pH values of 5.0 and 6.5. Notholaena sinuata had greater frond production at the lower pH, while Pellaea atropurpurea showed greater frond production at the higher pH value. In cultures containing calcium, phosphorous and pH values similar to their native soils, growth was limited. The largest number of new fronds was produced in cultures containing a combination of low test values of calcium, phosphorous, and pH. A combination of higher values limited the production of new fronds. Pellaea atropurpurea exhibited an overall average of 63.86% new fronds compared to 26.47% for Notholaena sinuata when combining data from all experimental conditions. This suggests the greater ability of Pellaea atropurpurea to grow in a variety of soil conditions.