Effect of Hydrogel on Physico- Chemical and Microbiota Properties of Potting Media for Roof Top Cultivation of Ridge Gourd

The present study was conducted to evaluate the physico-chemical and microbiota properties of growing media containing hydrogel, sand, cocopeat, vermiculite, perlite and vemicompost for cultivation of ridge gourd on rooftop. The result of study revealed that rowing media GM5 (Sand + vermicompost + hydrogel + cocopeat + vermiculite and perlite with the ratio of 3: 2.5: 2: 2: 0.5 showed significant effect on Physical properties of the growing media EC (1.85 dS m-1), pH (5.03), total organic carbon (0.843%), physical properties of the growing media bulk density (0.425g cm-3), total porosity (51%) and maximum level of water holding capacity (66.76 mm). Similarly, bacteria population (72.76 (x 106cfu g-1), 77.44(x 106cfu g-1), fungus population (40.56cfu, 44.56cfu) and actinomycetes population (77.44(x 104cfu g-1), 77.44(x 104cfu g-1) at 75th day and 150th day was significantly highest in GM5 sand + vermicompost + hydrogel + cocopeat + vermiculite and perlite (3: 2.5: 2: 2: 0.5) respectively as compared to control. The obtained results claim that sand + vermicompost + hydrogel + cocopeat + vermiculite and perlite act as bio stimulant to nutrient.