Desenvolvimento do alface em substratos alternativos com e sem défict hídrico

Abstract

The development of high-quality lettuce depends directly on the proper choice of substrate and irrigation management, which provide satisfactory development by supplying the plants with ideal conditions of nutrition, environment, and physical support for germination and root structure development. In this sense, the work aimed to evaluate the influence of different substrates subjected to two water regimes on the growth and biomass of plants. The experiment was conducted in pots with a volumetric capacity of 5 liters, distributed in the area, in a completely randomized design (CRD), in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with 5 repetitions. Variables related to vegetative growth were evaluated, such as the number of leaves, height, length, and root volume, in addition to parameters of fresh and dry biomass of the aerial part and roots. The results demonstrated that the substrate that obtained the best performance in the evaluated parameters was SM (wood sawdust) subjected to 100% of the CP (pot capacity). It can be concluded that wood shavings, combined with adequate moisture, promote growth and biomass accumulation, making it the most suitable option for producing high-quality lettuce