The eects of addition of coirpith compost (CPC) (5±25 g/3 kg of soil) on the above-ground (plant height, number of branches
and leaves, leaf area and weight of the leaves), and below-ground (root length, number of roots and weight of the roots) parameters
and the quality of leaves (chlorophyll and nitrogen) were studied. The responses of the various parameters to addition of increasing
quantities of CPC were dierent. Compost at 5 g or more per 3 kg soil produced a signi®cant increase over the control in the number
of roots. At 10 g compost or more the length of roots and nitrogen content of leaves were increased, while 15 g or more increased the
wet and dry weights of roots. At 20 g or 25 g the plant height and wet and dry weights of leaves were increased, whereas only 25 g
compost increased leaf chlorophyll and the number of branches and leaves. Excepting individual leaf area, which did not show a
statistically signi®cant increase even with the 25 g compost treatment, all parameters recorded the greatest response at 25 g compost.
Considering the in¯uence in increasing the growth and quality of leaves, CPC supplementation is recommended for mulberry
cultivation. Ó 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.