Composted organic residues as a substrate component for tomato transplant production

Reis, Mário; Martinez, F. X.; Soliva, M.; Monteiro, A. A.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/20331

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Abstract(s)

Pine bark and grape marc composts were tested in the production of tomato seedlings as substrate components after composting in 1.2 m3 boxes. The composting process of pine bark took 20 weeks with a low temperature increase. Grape marc composting process took 16 weeks, reaching a higher temperature. Composts were used as single substrate components and in mixtures with a sphagnum peat, in the proportions of 25, 50 and 75% (v/v) of compost. Tomato seeds were seeded in modular trays of 35 cm3 and irrigated by “ebb and flood” irrigation system. The growth of tomato plants in the mixtures was similar or better than in a standard peat substrate, mainly in the first year of trials. Pine bark performed generally better than grape marc. Plant growth was significantly correlated with the physical properties of the substrates mainly in grape marc mixtures and in the trials under higher levels of radiation. A higher incorporation of compost determines a lower water retention capacity and a poor performance of the mix. Good tomato seedlings growth was possible using mixtures with an incorporation of composts reaching 100% of pine bark and 50% of grape marc.