ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of peach palm seedlings using fine residue of sand mining as part of substrates. The experiment comprised five treatments, four containing different ratios of sand mining residue to carbonized rice husk: 1:0; 3:1; 1:1; 1:3, and one composed of alic podzolic yellow latosol and buffalo manure in a 3:1 ratio, used as the standard substrate. Treatments were arranged in randomized blocks with five replications and 10 seedlings each. One peach palm seedling was transplanted per container, which consisted of black, 8x20 cm, 1.1 L PE bags filled with different substrates. Diameter of stem, plantlet height, number of leaves and relative growth rate were recorded monthly and 180 days after their transplanting, SPAD values, dynamics of CO2 assimilation, transpiration and stomatal conductance. The use of unmixed residue of sand mining as substrate did not produce quality seedlings, since that substance has high density and poor particle size. It can be used as part of substrates though, for plants grown in the mixtures of residue and carbonized rice husk showed similar results to those grown in the standard substrate.
Keywords:
heart of palm; peach palm; substrate