Effect of composts in substrates on the growth of tomato transplants

Abstract

In this work, we studied the effect of different substrate mixes composed of blond peat and compost produced from solid urban waste, vegetable waste, and vine pomace on the quality of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Dakapo). Each compost was mixed with blond peat at different ratios such that the initial electric conductivity (EC) of the final mixes was 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 dS·m-1. The following control substrates were used: blond peat and blond peat + black peat + standard coconut fiber used in commercial nurseries on experimental basis. Emergence and several seedling quality variables were monitored. Results showed that peat in nursery substrates can be partially substituted by these composts to grow tomato seedlings. The quantity of vegetable waste and vine pomace compost used should not allow the initial EC to exceed 2.5 dS·m-1.