Evaluating the Fertilising Potential of Blended Recovered Nutrients in Horticultural Growing Medium on Viola x wittrockiana L.

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Manuscript entitled “Evaluating the fertilising potential of blended recovered nutrients in horticultural growing medium on Viola x wittrockiana  L.” focuses on the assessment of the optimal blend composition using recycled nutrient sources to see the growth performance of viola. The present study reveals that the fertilizer blends containing P as struvite, N as ammonium nitrate, and K as potassium struvite can substitute the use of mineral fertilizer blends to grow ornamental plant species.  The theme, idea, and structure of the paper are perfect and novel. The introduction provides a good understanding of the subject and its importance, with a significant quantity of information. Also, the adopted methodology is seemingly good to achieve the objective of this study. However, further improvement in the discussion section is required

Authors mentioned that blends  (B2-B12, source of ammonium sulfate for N) had a negative effect on plant growth, and   (B1-B11,  ammonium nitrate for N) had a positive effect on plant growth, biomass and flowering. Please discuss in detail why B2-B12, the source of ammonium sulfate showed an inhibitory effect. What physiological and biochemical mechanisms were responsible for these inhibitory and beneficial effects on growth, flowering and biomass in presence of  B2-B12 and B1-B11, respectively. Authors are encouraged to expand the discussion on this point rather than pH, EC, and sufficient nitrogen supply or content being responsible for plant performance. 

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Kind regards,

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear Authors

The paper entitled: “Evaluating the fertilising potential of blended recovered nutrients in horticultural growing medium on Viola x wittrockiana L.” focused on finding the optimal fertiliser composition to grow viola using recycled sources of P and N as struvite and potassium struvite, ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate. The obtained results are interesting from practical point of view. Authors found that fertiliser blends containing P as struvite, N as ammonium nitrate and K as potassium struvite can substitute the use of slow-release commercial fertilisers to grow viola. The manuscript is good written, but it needs minor revisions as reported in the specific comments.

In the abstract Authors mentioned about greenhouse trial under controlled conditions. In what conditions was the experiment carried out? I suggest Authors to specify the conditions in which plants was kept (temperature, air humidity and other important for plants growth parameters).

I also suggest simplifying the conclusions. In present form they are too long and too detailed. They should be short and more precise.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Thank you,

Kind regards,

Author Response File: Author Response.docx