Rice Husks and Leaf Mold Used as Peat Substitutes to Improve the Morphological, Photosynthetic, and Biochemical Properties of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium)
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsBased on the deep analyses of the substrate components, on which criteria do you chose the ratio btw peat/perlite/leaf mould/rice husk ? Please add a short comment as guideline for readers to better understand the experimental model.
Please add in 2.4 subchapter the method used for leaf area measurements. Well done in the rest of methodology descriptors.
In the industrial production of the flowers, most of the substrates come with added fertilizers. A very interesting research could be to test these substrates with a realistic fertilization scheme in order to get a reliable alternative for companies of the current substrates used in the Chrisantenum crop production.
In the conclusion section, it is not clear what you mean with 'partially' - please name the best formula you recommend and if you are sure the share of substrate that can be replaced by te leaf mould and rice hisk (how much each ....)
Author Response
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Dear reviewer: Thank you for reviewing our manuscript and providing your valuable comments. We appreciate your suggestions, which are very helpful to improve our research work. In response to your comments, we have carefully considered them and revised them accordingly. Below is our response to each comment and the corresponding improvement measures: Comments 1: Based on the deep analyses of the substrate components, on which criteria do you chose the ratio btw peat/perlite/leaf mould/rice husk? Please add a short comment as guideline for readers to better understand the experimental model. |
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Response 1: The experiment had seven treatments of the composite substrate (Table 1) made from peat, perlite, leaf mould with rice husk in different volume ratios, with conventional substrate peat: perlite = 8:2 (volume ratio) as control, the peat was gradually replaced by agricultural and forestry wastes of decayed leaves and rice husk in the same proportion to formulate several formulations, in which perlite always accounted for two parts of the total amount, and the proportion of decayed leaves and rice husk was gradually increased until all the peat was replaced. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we've made changes to line76-82 to address your comments. |
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Comments 2: Please add in 2.4 subchapter the method used for leaf area measurements. Well done in the rest of methodology descriptors. |
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Response 2: Leaf width and leaf length of the plants were determined using a tape measure and leaf area was determined using a handy leaf area meter LI-3000C. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we've made changes to line118-119 to address your comments. Comments 3: In the conclusion section, it is not clear what you mean with 'partially' - please name the best formula you recommend and if you are sure the share of substrate that can be replaced by te leaf mould and rice hisk (how much each ....) Response 3: This demonstrates that 20% rice husk and leaf mould replaced peat as a substrate for cultivation of chrysanthemums, providing a cost-effective cultivation option for countries facing peat scarcity. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we've made changes to line425-427 to address your comments. Comments 4: In the industrial production of the flowers, most of the substrates come with added fertilizers. A very interesting research could be to test these substrates with a realistic fertilization scheme in order to get a reliable alternative for companies of the current substrates used in the Chrisantenum crop production. Response 4: Thank you very much for this suggestion, our later research will look at the effect of fertiliser on plant growth and test substrate replacement. |
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe search for better eco-friendly products is popular. Even more often, agro-industrial “waste” is used as a substitute. Therefore, the present study evaluated the potential of using rice husk and mold in different proportions with peat and perlite mixtures as peat substitute materials for chrysanthemum production. Despite the interesting and very practical aspects described in your paper, the manuscript contains some errors.
considerations
1.In all Figures, letters were placed below the graphics. Explain what each letter in this figure legend means and/or remove them.
2.I strongly suggest carrying out a cost analysis. Unfortunately, the cost of production is still an obstacle to the development of more environmentally friendly technologies.
3.Figure S3-when the picture was made? at the end of experiment? after what lenght of cultuvation? name the varieties pleaseand explain the codes for substrates.
4. I would suggest writing the full variety names in the table instead of the symbol. Because there is enough space.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageThe search for better eco-friendly products is popular. Even more often, agro-industrial “waste” is used as a substitute. Therefore, the present study evaluated the potential of using rice husk and mold in different proportions with peat and perlite mixtures as peat substitute materials for chrysanthemum production. Despite the interesting and very practical aspects described in your paper, the manuscript contains some errors.
considerations
1.In all Figures, letters were placed below the graphics. Explain what each letter in this figure legend means and/or remove them.
2.I strongly suggest carrying out a cost analysis. Unfortunately, the cost of production is still an obstacle to the development of more environmentally friendly technologies.
3.Figure S3-when the picture was made? at the end of experiment? after what lenght of cultuvation? name the varieties pleaseand explain the codes for substrates.
4. I would suggest writing the full variety names in the table instead of the symbol. Because there is enough space.
Author Response
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Dear reviewer: Thank you for reviewing our manuscript and providing your valuable comments. We appreciate your suggestions, which are very helpful to improve our research work. In response to your comments, we have carefully considered them and revised them accordingly. Below is our response to each comment and the corresponding improvement measures: Comments 1: In all Figures, letters were placed below the graphics. Explain what each letter in this figure legend means and/or remove them. |
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Response 1: (1) Effects of different formula substrates on plant height of potted chrysanthemum. (A) Effect on 'Huihuang' plant height; (B) Effect on 'Boerduohong' plant height; (C) Effect on 'Huangfurong' plant height. Different lowercase letters for the same species at the same time indicate significant differences between treatments (P < 0.05); "╳" indicates that plants died after this node.(2) Effects of different formula substrates on stem diameter of potted chrysanthemum. (A) Effect on 'Huihuang' stem diameter; (B) Effect on 'Boerduohong' stem diameter; (C) Effect on 'Huangfurong' stem diameter. Different lowercase letters for the same species at the same time indicate significant differences between treatments (P < 0.05); "╳" indicates that plants died after this node.(3) Effects of different formula substrates on crown width of potted chrysanthemum. (A) Effect on 'Huihuang' crown width; (B) Effect on 'Boerduohong' crown width; (C) Effect on 'Huangfurong' crown width. Different lowercase letters for the same species at the same time indicate significant differences between treatments (P < 0.05); "╳" indicates that plants died after this node.(4) Effects of different formula substrates on leaf morphology of potted chrysanthemum. (A) Effect on chrysanthemum leaf length; (B) Effect on chrysanthemum leaf width; (C) Effect on chrysanthe-mum leaf area; (D) Effect on chrysanthemum leaf morphology. (5) Comparison of potted chrysanthemum development duration under different formula substrates. (A) Effect on 'Huihuang' flowering; (B) Effect on 'Boerduohong' flowering; (C) Effect on 'Huangfurong' flowering. (6) Effects of different formula substrates on flowering of potted chrysanthemum. (A) Effect on chry-santhemum flower stems; (B) Effect on chrysanthemum flower attachment; (C) Effect on chrysan-themum flower morphology. (7) Effects of different formula substrates on different physiological indicators of potted chrysanthe-mum. (A) Effect on chrysanthemum soluble protein; (B) Effect on chrysanthemum soluble sugar; (C) Effect on chrysanthemum net photosynthesis. (D) Effect on chlorophyll a of chrysanthemums. (E) Effect on chrysanthemum chlorophyll b. (F) Effect on total chlorophyll of chrysanthemum. (G) Effect on chrysanthemum chlorophyll a/b. (H) Effect on chrysanthemum carotenoids. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we've made changes to line 204-207,217-221,232-236,250-252,261-263,281-283 and 318-322 to address your comments. |
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Comments 2: I strongly suggest carrying out a cost analysis. Unfortunately, the cost of production is still an obstacle to the development of more environmentally friendly technologies. |
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Response 2: Thank you for pointing this out. We will focus on this aspect in our later studies. Comments 3: Figure S3-when the picture was made? at the end of experiment? after what lenght of cultuvation? name the varieties pleaseand explain the codes for substrates. Response 3: Fig.S4 Growth effect of potted chrysanthemum with different formula substrates. (A) Effect on 'Huihuang' growth; (B) Effect on 'Boerduohong' rowth; (C) Effect on 'Huangfurong' growth. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we've made changes to appendix to address your comments. Comments 4: I would suggest writing the full variety names in the table instead of the symbol. Because there is enough space. Response 4: Thank you very much for your suggestion, we've changed the table！ |
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis research is comprehensive and reasonable, and the results strongly support the conclusion. However, some issues need attention.
1. Line 9: Chrysanthemum morifolium is heterozygous, so it should be represented as Chrysanthemum × morifolium. The Latin name "Chrysanthemum morifolium" appears multiple times, and for the second occurrence, it should be abbreviated.
2. Line 189: The state of the Rice husk is not clearly described. Generally, due to silicic acid, fresh or decomposed rice husks tend to be acidic. However, Rice husk charcoal is typically alkaline. It is essential to provide information on the source and state of Rice husk here.
3. 199-200 "the Plant height of the three species of potted chrysanthemums increased and then decreased with the increase in the proportion of forestry and agricultural waste" is not an appropriate way to describe the results, especially regarding Plant height. Consider revising for clarity.
4. Figure 1: It is recommended to use a more visually accessible representation or incorporate color. The current presentation, especially in image B, might lead to misinterpretation that the X symbols represent dead plants, but they are still growing.
5. Images lack descriptions of subfigures. Ensure that readers can understand the content of the images from the captions even when divorced from the main text.
6. Figure 5: There are obstructions in the images; please make corrections.
7. Consider moving some tables to the appendix, as there are too many in the main text.
8. The discussion should be more in-depth, exploring more relevant refs on using rice husks and leaf mold to enhance plant growth.
Author Response
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Dear reviewer: Thank you for reviewing our manuscript and providing your valuable comments. We appreciate your suggestions, which are very helpful to improve our research work. In response to your comments, we have carefully considered them and revised them accordingly. Below is our response to each comment and the corresponding improvement measures: Comments 1: Line 9: Chrysanthemum morifolium is heterozygous, so it should be represented as Chrysanthemum × morifolium. The Latin name "Chrysanthemum morifolium" appears multiple times, and for the second occurrence, it should be abbreviated. |
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Response 1: Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum × morifolium) are highly valued for their ornamental and economic benefits. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have made changes to line 9 and throughout the text to address your comments. |
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Comments 2: Line 189: The state of the Rice husk is not clearly described. Generally, due to silicic acid, fresh or decomposed rice husks tend to be acidic. However, Rice husk charcoal is typically alkaline. It is essential to provide information on the source and state of Rice husk here. |
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Response 2: rice husk (fermented rice husk, Ph=7.06). Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we've made changes to line 69 to address your comments. Comments 3: 199-200 "the Plant height of the three species of potted chrysanthemums increased and then decreased with the increase in the proportion of forestry and agricultural waste" is not an appropriate way to describe the results, especially regarding Plant height. Consider revising for clarity. Response 3: As shown in Fig. 1, the Q1, Q2, and Q3 treatment groups promoted plant growth and the Q5 treatment group significantly inhibited plant growth. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we've made changes to line 199-200 to address your comments. Comments 4: Figure 1: It is recommended to use a more visually accessible representation or incorporate color. The current presentation, especially in image B, might lead to misinterpretation that the X symbols represent dead plants, but they are still growing. Response 4: Thank you very much for your suggestion, we've changed the figure! Comments 5: Images lack descriptions of subfigures. Ensure that readers can understand the content of the images from the captions even when divorced from the main text. Response 5: (1)Effects of different formula substrates on plant height of potted chrysanthemum. (A) Effect on 'Huihuang' plant height; (B) Effect on 'Boerduohong' plant height; (C) Effect on 'Huangfurong' plant height. Different lowercase letters for the same species at the same time indicate significant differences between treatments (P < 0.05); "╳" indicates that plants died after this node.(2) Effects of different formula substrates on stem diameter of potted chrysanthemum. (A) Effect on 'Huihuang' stem diameter; (B) Effect on 'Boerduohong' stem diameter; (C) Effect on 'Huangfurong' stem diameter. Different lowercase letters for the same species at the same time indicate significant differences between treatments (P < 0.05); "╳" indicates that plants died after this node.(3) Effects of different formula substrates on crown width of potted chrysanthemum. (A) Effect on 'Huihuang' crown width; (B) Effect on 'Boerduohong' crown width; (C) Effect on 'Huangfurong' crown width. Different lowercase letters for the same species at the same time indicate significant differences between treatments (P < 0.05); "╳" indicates that plants died after this node.(4) Effects of different formula substrates on leaf morphology of potted chrysanthemum. (A) Effect on chrysanthemum leaf length; (B) Effect on chrysanthemum leaf width; (C) Effect on chrysanthe-mum leaf area; (D) Effect on chrysanthemum leaf morphology. (5) Comparison of potted chrysanthemum development duration under different formula substrates. (A) Effect on 'Huihuang' flowering; (B) Effect on 'Boerduohong' flowering; (C) Effect on 'Huangfurong' flowering. (6) Effects of different formula substrates on flowering of potted chrysanthemum. (A) Effect on chry-santhemum flower stems; (B) Effect on chrysanthemum flower attachment; (C) Effect on chrysan-themum flower morphology. (7) Effects of different formula substrates on different physiological indicators of potted chrysanthe-mum. (A) Effect on chrysanthemum soluble protein; (B) Effect on chrysanthemum soluble sugar; (C) Effect on chrysanthemum net photosynthesis. (D) Effect on chlorophyll a of chrysanthemums. (E) Effect on chrysanthemum chlorophyll b. (F) Effect on total chlorophyll of chrysanthemum. (G) Effect on chrysanthemum chlorophyll a/b. (H) Effect on chrysanthemum carotenoids. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we've made changes to line 204-207,217-221,232-236,250-252,261-263,281-283 and 318-322 to address your comments. Comments 6: Figure 5: There are obstructions in the images; please make corrections. Response 6: Thank you very much for your suggestion, we've changed the figure! Comments 7: Consider moving some tables to the appendix, as there are too many in the main text. Response 7: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with your comment. Therefore, we have placed some of the tables in the appendix in response to your comments. Comments 8: The discussion should be more in-depth, exploring more relevant refs on using rice husks and leaf mold to enhance plant growth. Response 8: The external morphology and growth indexes of plants are usually one of the most intuitive indicators of plant growth and development. In this study, it was found that the addition of rice husk and decayed leaves to the cultivation substrate had an effect on the dry weight, leaf area and other indicators of chrysanthemums, of which the effects of chrysanthemums' plant height, stem thickness and leaf area were the best and the bio-mass of the plant's above-ground and below-ground parts accumulated the most when 20% of rice husk and decayed leaves were added. In the study on Pinus halepensis M., it was found that peat:rice husk (7:3) promoted the morphological characteristics of seed-lings such as shoots, plant height and roots; in the study on stevia, it was also found that the addition of rice hulls and rotting leaves to the cultivation substrate increased the dry weight of the plant and promoted plant growth[28,29]. This suggests that suitable rice husk and leaf litter as a substitute for peat can promote plant growth. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we've made changes to line 378-389 to address your comments. |
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsGeneral comments
The manuscript entitled “Rice Husks and Leaf Mould Used as Peat Substitutes to Improve Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum morifolium）Morphology, Photosynthetic and Biochemical Properties” provides valuable insights into the potential alternatives to peat as a growing medium for chrysanthemum production. However, there are a few critical points that need to be addressed.
Overall, the manuscript needs minor English and grammar correction.
Abstract
Although the study aims to evaluate the potential of rice husks and leaf compost mixed with peat and perlite in different ratios, it fails to provide any information about the specific benefits or drawbacks of using these materials. While it is mentioned that different ratios significantly influence the physical and chemical properties of the growing medium, it would have been helpful to have more detailed information on how these ratios affect factors such as water retention, aeration, and nutrient availability.
Introduction
The introduction mentions the potential of agricultural and forestry waste as a renewable resource for soil cultivation, it does not provide any specific examples or data on how these waste materials have been successfully used as substitutes for peat in other plant cultivations. Including specific studies or examples of successful utilization of agroforestry waste would strengthen the argument for exploring these alternatives in chrysanthemum cultivation.
Moreover, the introduction highlights the potential benefits of using rice husks and leaf mould as alternatives to peat, such as their composition, nutrient content, and economic advantages. However, it does not provide any information on the specific physicochemical properties of these materials or how they compare to peat. Including details on factors such as water retention, nutrient availability, and aeration would provide a clearer understanding of the suitability of these alternatives for chrysanthemum cultivation.
Add the economic importance of Chrysanthemums in the last para.
Results
This section is written well. However minor English editing is needed.
Discussion
The authors discussed their results in relation with the previous literature, however, justification should be provided for all the results.
Materials and Methods
This section is presented well.
Conclusion
Include recommendations for further studies or suggestions for optimizing the use of these alternatives in chrysanthemum cultivation to enhance the practical value of the conclusion.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageOverall, the manuscript needs minor English and grammar correction.
Author Response
Comments 1: Although the study aims to evaluate the potential of rice husks and leaf compost mixed with peat and perlite in different ratios, it fails to provide any information about the specific benefits or drawbacks of using these materials. While it is mentioned that different ratios significantly influence the physical and chemical properties of the growing medium, it would have been helpful to have more detailed information on how these ratios affect factors such as water retention, aeration, and nutrient availability.
Response 1: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with you on this comment you made. Firstly, we specifically described in the abstract that the two treatment groups that stood out the most were the 20% rice hulls and decayed leaves and the 80% rice hulls treatment groups. We apologize for not being able to describe all the advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the focus of our article was mainly on chrysanthemum growth, so there was less description of the physicochemical properties of the cultivation substrate. Therefore, it is difficult for me to describe the reasons for the changes in the physicochemical properties of the cultivation substrate, as you pointed out in depth. I apologize for that. This gives us a new direction for our subsequent research. We will look into this in our subsequent research.
Comments 2: [The introduction mentions the potential of agricultural and forestry waste as a renewable resource for soil cultivation, it does not provide any specific examples or data on how these waste materials have been successfully used as substitutes for peat in other plant cultivations. Including specific studies or examples of successful utilization of agroforestry waste would strengthen the argument for exploring these alternatives in chrysanthemum cultivation.Moreover, the introduction highlights the potential benefits of using rice husks and leaf mould as alternatives to peat, such as their composition, nutrient content, and economic advantages. However, it does not provide any information on the specific physicochemical properties of these materials or how they compare to peat. Including details on factors such as water retention, nutrient availability, and aeration would provide a clearer understanding of the suitability of these alternatives for chrysanthemum cultivation. Add the economic importance of Chrysanthemums in the last para.]
Response 2: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have changed lines 49-52 and 58-60. Then, the example about agroforestry waste as a peat substitute is briefly described in the second paragraph. In addition, about the economic importance of chrysanthemums, we have a brief description in the last paragraph.
Comments 3: This section is written well. However minor English editing is needed.
Response 3: Thanks for pointing this out, we've made changes in the text.
Comments 4: The authors discussed their results in relation to the previous literature, however, justification should be provided for all the results.
Response 4: Thanks for pointing out the issues, Therefore, we have made changes in lines 381-393.
Comments 5: Include recommendations for further studies or suggestions for optimizing the use of these alternatives in chrysanthemum cultivation to enhance the practical value of the conclusion.
Response 5: Thank you for pointing out the problem, we have made the change at lines 445-447.
Round 2
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe author has already answered my questions.
Author Response
Thank you very much!
