Production of tamarind seedlings with organic substrates and application of swine biofertilizer

Abstract

The tamarind tree is a fruit tree that is quite resistant to tropical climates, making it easy to adapt to the Northeast. Substrates and biofertilizers, as they are organic materials and rich in micro and macronutrients, can enrich the soil for better cultivation of this plant. This research aimed to evaluate the growth of tamarind seedlings using different substrates and applying swine biofertilizer. The experiment was carried out from April to December 2023 at the Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Campus – Sousa-PB, adopting a completely randomized experimental design, with seven replicates, in a 7 x 2 factorial, referring to seven combinations of substrates, being: soil (control treatment), soil + cattle manure, soil + sheep manure, soil + chicken litter, soil + cattle manure + sheep manure, soil + cattle manure + chicken litter, soil + sheep manure + chicken litter, in the absence and presence of swine biofertilizer, totaling 98 experimental units. When the seedlings reached 40 days after sowing (DAS), the following were measured: seedling height (AM), stem diameter (DC), number of leaves (NF), root dry mass (MSR), shoot dry mass (MSPA), root to shoot ratio (RPA), and root length (CR). The best combination of substrates for seedling production was soil + cattle manure + chicken litter. The application of swine biofertilizer to tamarind seedlings promoted beneficial effects on stem diameter, thus making seedlings stronger and more resistant.