Substitution of peat with municipal solid waste compost in watermelon seedling production combined with fertigation

Abstract

Interest in reusing organic residues as substrate medium in nurseries has increased worldwide as peat availability has been reduced over time. In this study, the effect of fertigation and/or a partial substitution of peat with municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) on the emergence, growth, and nutrition of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) seedlings were tested. The MSWC extracts (MSWC:water at 10 -1 and 10 -2 dilutions) maintained seedling germination. Under nursery conditions, six media prepared from commercial peat and MSWC were further assessed in conjunction with nutrient application as basic fertilizer (BF) or hydro fertilizer (HF). Adding MSWC to the substrate inhibited seed emergence and mean germination time, whereas fertigation maintained seed emergence in 15% MSWC but decreased in 45% MSWC. Adding 45% MSWC reduced seedling height, leaf number, and fresh weight. The HF increased fresh weight (up to 44%) and growth in seedlings cultivated in 15% MSWC. Leaf photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance increased (up to 2.6-fold) in MSWC-based (< 45% MSWC) substrates, but no differences were observed in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total carotenoid content, and leaf fluorescence. The HF reduced chlorophyll a and total carotenoids, but increased chlorophyll b content. The K, N, and Na content increased (ranging from 2-to 5-fold) when adding MSWC, whereas P content did not differ. Fertigation benefits seedling nutritive status. Low content (15% to 30%) of MSWC may act as an alternative substitute for peat with more positive effects if minerals are provided through HF.

Phytotoxicity and Chemical Characterization of Compost Derived from Pig Slurry Solid Fraction for Organic Pellet Production

“…Compost derived from pig slurry solid fraction can be re-used as a new resource material, such as soil fertiliser and conditioner, to replace the more expensive and less environmentally sustainable chemical fertilisers for crop production [16,17]. However, the presence of non-biodegradable and toxic heavy metals limits agricultural application of composted manure [18].…”

Printed Paper Waste as an Alternative Growing Medium Component to Produce Brassica Seedlings under Nursery Conditions

“…Despite the constraints, peat is still the primary substrate component, and the exploitation of growing media components for a greener profile of substrates used in agriculture is required [21]. The expanded needs and the intensive vegetables crop cultivation in greenhouses and outdoors, along with the wide broadening of seedling/cutting production at nurseries, exhaust the actual natural sources, including peat [22][23][24].…”

“…Several applications of the solid organic waste (composted olive-mill waste, biochar and compost, composted municipal solid wastes) have been reported in agriculture and eventually used as a medium, either sole or in combination with other material [23,[25][26][27][28], while diminishing reliance on peat moss [16]. Likewise, paper waste may possibly be used as a constituent in substrates.…”

Lodos Residuales De Nejayote Como Sustratos Para La Germinación De Semillas De Maíz Azul Criollo

“…El aprovechamiento de los subproductos o residuos industriales ha sido un tema de suma importancia en las últimas décadas. Varios subproductos o residuos orgánicos de la industria agroalimentaria se han utilizado como sustratos para aumentar la materia orgánica del suelo y el rendimiento de los cultivos (Singh y Agrawal 2008, Papamichalaki et al 2014, Sharma et al 2017.…”

“…La principal función de los sustratos es proporcionar un soporte físico a las plantas para enraizarse y mantenerse erguidas, además de abastecerse de agua, oxígeno y nutrientes que mantengan el equilibrio del metabolismo y la fisiología vegetal (Díaz-Eliseche y Brassel 2008). Se considera que un sustrato ideal mantiene un pH y una estructura física estable, posee alta capacidad de aireación y retención de agua, está libre de arvenses y organismos patógenos, facilita el ahorro de agua y fertilizantes, es un producto rico en nutrientes esenciales, y su constitución es homogénea, renovable y biodegradable (Pinto et al 2012, Nath 2014, Papamichalaki et al 2014, Oliveira et al 2015.…”