Abstract

CASTELO-GUTIERREZ, Alma Alicia et al. Residual mushroom compost as soil conditioner and bio-fertilizer in tomato production. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2016, vol.22, n.2, pp.83-94. ISSN 2007-4034.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchsh.2015.06.012.

Residual mushroom waste has the potential to be composted. Sustainable agriculture considers compost and vermicompost as alternatives to be incorporated into organic vegetable production. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of compost (T2), vermicompost tea (T3), compost extract (T4), and their combination plus the addition of an inorganic element (urea) (T5), against a conventional control (T1), on soil properties and yield parameters of tomato plants grown under shade house conditions. Organic matter, moisture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), bulk density, leaf nutrient content during flowering (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe and Zn), chlorophyll content (SPAD units), fruit number and weight, and yield were the variables assessed during this research. A completely randomized experimental design was used. The organic applications showed significant increases in soil moisture (25.4 % T3), EC (0.38 dS·m-1 T5), and CEC (38.6 meq·100 g-1 T4). Crop nutrient requirements were achieved 102 days after transplanting. The chlorophyll content ranged between 46.9 and 51.4 SPAD units. The cv “Grandella” fruits attained optimal weight (152 to 155 g). The number of fruits and yield did not statistically differ between treatments; therefore, it was concluded that the organic substances by themselves or in combination with inorganic fertilizers were able to produce the same effect on yield, and also improve the physicochemical characteristics of the soil.

Keywords : Solanum lycopersicum; sustainable agriculture; organic matter; Agaricus bisporus.

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