The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of alternative substrates for the development of the root system in the shoots of beetroot and cabbage seedlings as well as their behavior in field under monoculture and consortium systems. Two experiments were performed in randomized block design with the use of the following treatments: T0 (Plantmax® substrate); T1 (100% of compost); T2 (50% of compost, 20% of sand, 20% of carbonized rice hulls and 10% of basaltic dust); T3 (45% of compost, 20% of sand, 20% of carbonized rice hulls and 15% of basaltic dust); T4 (40% of compost, 5% of sand, 15% of carbonized rice hulls and 20% of basaltic dust) and T5 (35% of compost, 5% of sand and 15% of carbonized rice hulls and 25% of basaltic). The first experiment was performed in trays of 200 cells and the second one in the field under monoculture system and in consort with the treatments composed of the substrates used in the trays. For the cabbage production in the field, substrates used in consortium and in monoculture showed similar results regarding the accumulation of dry mass in the shoot of the plant. As for the the beetroot, the diameter of the roots with commercial substrate was greater under consortium system when compared to monoculture system. For the production of beetroot and cabbage in monoculture and consortium systems, alternative substrate can be recommended.
Beta vulgaris; Brassica oleracea; organic compost; basalt powder
