Compost and vermicompost as nursery pot components: effects on tomato plant growth and morphology

摘要: Post transplant success after nursery stage is strongly influenced by plant morphology. Cultural practices shape morphology, and substrate choice one of the most determining factors. Peat often used amendment in commercial potting substrates, involving exploitation non-renewable resources degradation highly valuable peatland ecosystems therefore alternative substrates are required. Here feasibility replacing peat compost or vermicompost for production tomato plants nurseries was investigated through study effect increasing proportions these (0%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 75% 100%) target growth morphological features, indicators adequate post-transplant yield. Compost showed to be growth. Total replacement possible while doses higher than 50% caused mortality. Low (10 20%) high produced significant increases aerial root biomass plants. In addition treatments improved significantly morphology (higher number leaves leaf area, increased volume branching). The use constitute an attractive due environmental benefits involved but also observed improvement quality.