Abstract

MORENO-RESENDEZ, Alejandro et al. Development of huizache (Acacia farnesiana) seedlings in substrates with vermicompost. Rev. Chapingo ser. cienc. for. ambient [online]. 2014, vol.20, n.1, pp.55-62. ISSN 2007-4018.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchscfa.2013.03.009.

The effect of vermicompost, as part of the growth substrate, on the development of huizache (Acacia farnesiana) seedlings placed under a rustic shelter made from reeds was evaluated over a period of 240 days. Five vermicompost-sand mixtures with five ratios, namely 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50 (% by volume), were assessed, and natural soil from the area where huizaches grow was used as the control. Seeds for producing the seedlings were obtained from the huizaches of the area. The treatments were replicated 30 times, and five seedlings were harvested from each one to determine plant height, main stem diameter, number of branches, and fresh and dry weight. The effect of the treatments was determined using a completely randomized experimental design and the averages were compared by the LSD₅ % test. Huitzache growth was not uniform in the different substrates; however, the 10:90 vermicompost-sand mixture had the best variable responses in terms of plant height and fresh and dry weight. Therefore, vermicompost at low concentration promoted the growth of A. farnesiana.

Keywords : Organic amendment; earthworm vermicast; growth substrates; native vegetation.