Evaluación de la eficiencia de sustratos orgánicos alternativos como sustitutos de la turba en la plantulación de tomate

Abstract

Horticulture is an agricultural practice, where vegetables such as tomatoes are grown, making use of planting, a technique whose purpose is to optimize the processes of sowing seeds in protected and controlled environments (nurseries or greenhouses), seeking to develop an abundant root system and robust stems in the first stages of growth of the seedling (Sixto, 2018) (Sagastume, 2011). Therefore, the practice involves the use of peat, an organic substrate with characteristics that ensure successful planting (Sagastume, 2011). However, obtaining this substrate involves the partial intervention of moors, sub-moors and wetlands, which makes this farming practice an obstacle to a resilient and sustainable agri-food system. Consequently, this thesis evaluates the efficiency of alternative organic substrates as peat substitutes in tomato plantation, through the use of a quantitative, descriptive and exploratory methodology, where the creation of 4 substrates based on plant residues such as rice husk, banana rachis and palm tusa was carried out. Each substrate had 7 combinations to expand the candidates to be evaluated, in order to skew the options by comparing morphological variables and physicochemical conditions with respect to peat at the tomato planting stage. In this way, it was carried out to obtain the strongest candidate as a substitute, to proceed to add enhancements with natural minerals and evaluate its potential. It was observed that the substrate with a concentration of 30% rice husk (C2) is the most favorable; however, a deficiency in morphological development was evidenced, so it was decided to test it with a mineral enrichment with diabasas or calphs, measuring its chemical, physical, biological and morphological conditions. It was determined that the substrate enriched with diabasas (CD) has an 80% similarity to peat and presents variables greater than this, making it a viable substrate for peat replacement in tomato planting. On the other hand, the socio-environmental impact of this substrate is reflected in the protection of ecosystem services and farmers' finances.