Characterization of regional substrates for the production of plants in containers

ABSTRACTObjective: To evaluate the physical and chemical properties of residues from the oil palm industry (empty fruit bunches and palm kernel shell charcoal), the forestry industry (Cedrela odorata sawdust and Eucalyptus spp. bark), and agroindustry (sugarcane bagasse, cocoa pod shell and coconut fibre) to determine their potential as components of regional substrates.Design/methodology/approach: Completely randomized, which consid-ered 7 regional substrates as treatments with three replicates to evaluate the response variables. Results were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison of means test (p≤0.05) using the statistical software InfoStat version 2020.Results: The regional substrates developed showed similar characteristics and even a higher concentration of nutrients compared to the commercial substrate, which was primarily based on sphagnum peat moss. Substrate S5 (Eucalyptus spp. bark: cocoa pod shell: Cedrela odorata sawdust (3:1:1)) showed a greater number of statistically similar variables to the commercial substrate, while S4 (cocoa pod shell: Cedrela odorata sawdust: palm kernel shell charcoal (3:1.5:0.5)) stood out for its higher concentration of micronutrients. The results identified sustainable and accessible options that meet recommended criteria for container plant production.Limitations on study/implications: This study only considered the characterization of regional residues and substrates, so it is advisable to evaluate the effects on the species to be produced.Findings/conclusions: Sustainable and affordable options were identified that meet recommended criteria for containerized plant production.Keywords: organic waste, sphagnum peat moss, physical and chemical properties, nursery, recycling.