Agro-industrial Waste as Components of Plant Substrates

Abstract

Substrates are widely used in seedling production in several areas, and finding an affordable and low-cost product is important to avoid burdening the production chain. One alternative is to use agro-industrial waste that is easily found in the producing region by mixing components. This study aimed to physically characterize substrates formed by different source materials, such as agro-industrial waste and formulations. The experiment was developed at the Experimental Farm Laboratory of the Grande Dourados Federal University, in a completely randomized design, with four substrates (treatments) and five replicates. Substrate A was formed by 30% sugarcane bagasse, 10% vermiculite, 10% sugarcane filter cake, and 10% chicken litter; substrate B was formed by 20% sugarcane bagasse, 20% filter cake, and 20% chicken litter; Substrate C was formed by 10% vermiculite, 10% sugarcane filter cake, 10% chicken litter and 30% sugarcane straw; finally, substrate D was formed by 20% filter cake, 20% chicken litter and 20% sugarcane straw. The characteristics evaluated were: current humidity, wet density and dry density. Substrates A and B may be indicated for use in pots 20 to 30 cm high according to dry density, while substrates C and D may be used in pots larger than 30 cm.