Efecto de sustratos en el crecimiento vegetativo pre-trasplante y su incidencia en la producción de plántulas en la finca experimental los bajos Montecristi, 2024.

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effect of the application of substrates on the vegetative growth of vegetable seedlings during the pre-transplant stage in the experimental farm Los Bajos Montecristi, located in the Bajo del Pechiche commune of the Montecristi canton, province of Manabí. The research was carried out in order to analyze the impact of different substrate mixtures on the development of seedlings under controlled conditions. A unifactorial experimental design was used with control treatment (T0) of 100% peat, and three experimental treatments with mixtures of coconut fiber and vermicompost in different proportions: 20% coconut fiber + 80% vermicompost (T1), 35%. coconut fibre + 65% vermicompost (T2) and 45% coconut fibre + 55% vermicompost (T3). Analysis of seedling growth parameters included germination percentage, germination rate coefficient, seedling height, root length, stem thickness, and number of true leaves. The results indicated that no significant differences were found between the treatments in terms of height, number of leaves and stem thickness, suggesting that the seedlings responded similarly to the different substrates, i.e. a similar performance was observed at a statistical level, between treatments with coconut fiber and vermicompost and the control (100% peat). The cost estimate indicated that the use of these organic substrates not only has a positive impact on the growth of seedlings, but also proves to be cost-effective, as the costs of the materials used, such as coco coir and vermicompost, are affordable compared to other inputs. It is concluded that the use of mixtures of coconut fiber and vermicompost can be a viable alternative to improve the vegetative development of vegetable seedlings, which contributes to greater sustainability and efficiency in agricultural production.