Efeito do resíduo foliar da algaroba utilizado como substrato no cultivo da alface

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different proportions of leaf residue from the legume and tree algaroba (Prosopis juliflora Sw.) on the composition of the substrate for the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), variety Elba, curly loose type. The algaroba residue used is easily obtained locally, which can bring benefits to the production system in the practice of ecologically based agriculture, while reducing costs and mitigating impacts on the environment. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN) in the municipality of Ipanguaçu-RN, from July 11 to August 31, 2023. The experimental design used was completely randomized, with 5 treatments (proportions of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) and five replicates. The seedlings formed in trays, after 15 days of germination, were transplanted into pots with a capacity of 3.5 liters, receiving daily watering with the same volume for all treatments, with five randomizations performed each weekly cycle, during the vegetative period. The harvest and data collection were performed at 51 days, 36 days after transplantation. The data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test and the means compared in the Scott-Knott test at the 5% probability level. The results of the experiment demonstrated that the variables plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves increased from the proportion of 20% of mesquite residues, while the chlorophyll concentration increased at 30 and 40%. The variable root length did not show significance. The results indicated the possibility of using mesquite leaf residue in the composition of substrate, with mineralization potential for soil enrichment and a source of generating better sustainability for the farmer in the practice of organic production. Furthermore, the use of mesquite residue can be used as biomass for green manure or mulch, under field conditions.