Mushroom compost and vermicompost as substrates for the development of pepper seedlings

Abstract

In order to assess the effect of mushroom compost (Co) and vermicompost (Ve) as substrates for the development of pepper seedlings (PP for spanish initials), Capsicum annum L., a test in the nursery at the Faculty of Agronomy, UCLA, Tarabana, was conducted.  The experiment was designed as split plots with eight treatments and four replications. We assessed the following substrates: sawdust coconut (A), Ve and Co and combinations of three binary volumetric ratios (1:3, 1:1 and 3:1). PP seedlings were propagated in polyethylene trays containing different substrates. Basic fertilization was applied after the full exposure of the first pair of true leaves with a water-soluble fertilizer or start rooting (13-40-13) at a dose of 2.5  g.l^-1, in weekly water irrigation. Height, stem diameter, number of leaves (large and small), and dry mass of foliage and root were evaluated. The compost (C) turned out to be appropriate for substrate mixtures with equally sawdust A ratio in the production of pepper seedlings. The growth of PP expressed as the tall, dry foliage and roots mass were higher in substrates of 1:1 vermicompost more A sawdust. The stem diameter of PP was favored by the substrate of 1:1 sawdust C more A