Iran Apatite Rocks in Zeoponic Substrates Used for Growing Rose Their Substitution for Phosphate Fertilizers

This research was conducted at the Department of Horticluture, University of Tehran during years 2005-2006, to investigate the use of Iran apatite rocks in zeoponic substrate and as well to evaluate them as substitutes for phosphate fertilizers. Five different substrates namely: M1: 89 wt. % soil+10 wt. % Zeolite + 1 Wt.% Jeyrood apatite; M2: 82 wt.% Soil + 15 wt.% Zeolite+ 3 wt. % Jeyrood apatite; M3: 89 wt. % soil + 10 wt. % zeolite + 1 wt. % Moondoon apatite; M4: 82 Wt. % soil + 15 wt. % Zeolite + 3 wt. % Moondoon apatite; M5: soil only (as control) plus five different nutrient solution of: S1: Coïc and Lesaint solution as control; S2: half strength solution of Coïc and Lesaint; S3: half strength solution of Coïc and Lesaint with no phosphorus, S4: a solution similar to soil solution that is in a proper condition, S5: solution similar to the soil solution but with no phosphorus, were comared during the experimental period (six months). The plant material chosen was Rosa Sp., Var. Black Magic. The results, as based upon substrate pH, mutrient solution pH and culture periods indicated that, phosphorous and other nutrient uptakes from soil substrates containing a low amount of apatite took place more and easier than from the other substrates. The growth in these substrates was also more than that in the others. Furthermore, Mondoon apatite was shown to act more efficienctly than Jeyrood apatite, as substrate.