REUTILIZATION OF RESIDUES AS COMPONENTS OF SUBSTRATE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF Eucalyptus grandis SEEDLINGS

ABSTRACT Increased production of agro-industrial waste is a global concern, requiring proper disposal. In this sense, they can represent alternative sources for substrate production, adding value to the materials and reducing the cost of seedlings in the nursery. However, their proportions in the mixture should be adequate for better use of water and nutrients, ensuring better seedling quality. The objective of this study was to identify the potential of rice husk and peach kernel residue, as a secondary substrate component, for the production of Eucalyptus grandis seedlings. The carbonated (CRH), hydrolyzed (HRH) rice husk and crushed peach kernel (CPK) were added at 0, 10, 20 and 30% to an organic substrate. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and correlation analysis between the variables of the substrates and the morphological and physiological attributes. The results indicated that the HRH and CPK can add value to the agro-industrial residue when mixed to the organic compound in proportions of 20 and 10%, respectively, being adequate and compatible with the use of CRH in the proportion of up to 30%. Eucalyptus grandis seedlings, after 90 days of cultivation, presented quality to be hardened and dispatched when grown on organic compound substrates with up to 30% CRH, 20% HRH and 10% CPK.