Agroecological seedling production and field cultivation of chicory

This study aimed to evaluate the development of chicory seedlings in different organic substrates and verify its behavior in trays, after transplanting in field and in post-harvest, constituting three experiments. Commercial substrate and four mixtures with different proportions of compost, basalt powder and sand were evaluated. Four stages of assessment were: 13 and 26 days after emergence (DAE), at 74 days post-transplant and post-harvest. The length and dry mass of roots and shoots, number of leaves plant-1, stem diameter, leaf area and post-harvest conservation were evaluated. The organic compost and the mixtures were superior to commercial substrate in most of the characteristics evaluated at 13 and 26 DAE. However, the commercial substrate was superior to other treatments for root length. The organic substrates can be recommended for seedling production of chicory with a satisfactory development in trays and in the field, and also at post-harvest. The use of compost as a substrate for seedlings provided the development of more vigorous seedlings and stronger plants in field than the commercial substrate.

analysis of growth; basalt powder; Cichorium intibus L.; organic compound