Effect of substrates on Aronia melanocarpa seedling growth

To determine the most appropriate medium for growing Aronia melanocarpa in nursery containers, seeds were cultivated in container matrices that consisted of varying ratios of garden soil, peat soil, perlite, and sand. The results demonstrated that the type of medium had a significant effect on seedling emergence rate, seedling height, basal diameter, taproot length, number of lateral roots, root activity, soluble sugar, starch, and protein. A comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the indices of the container seedlings showed that the most optimal matrices for seedling cultivation were, from most effective to least effective: 40% garden soil + 30% peat soil + 30% sand; 40% garden soil + 30% perlite + 30% sand; 40% garden soil + 30% peat soil + 30% perlite, and 60% garden soil + 20% peat soil + 20% sand.