Biofertilizantes formulados a partir de diferentes fontes de húmus aplicados na cultura da alface

Abstract

Biofertilizers are produced from organic biodigestion and can contain microbiological agents, dormant cells, nutrients, organic substances, and beneficial metabolites for plants and soil. It is considered a sustainable practice that helps make nutrients available to plants, replacing synthetic inputs, as well as organic compounds that aid in the control and prevention of pests and diseases, resulting in sustainable and innovative increases in agricultural productivity. Additionally, it is less harmful to the environment and generates better income for farmers, as it can be easily produced from organic waste generated on the property. The present study aimed to develop a biofertilizer using ingredients with lower risk of contamination by fecal coliforms through composting and vermicomposting of plant residues, and establish whether there is a supposed gain in productivity due to the release of enzymes, hormones, vitamins, amino acids, and other organic substances. The productive performance of the biofertilizers in lettuce culture was also compared as a complement to inorganic fertilization. The experiment design was completely randomized in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme (biofertilizers and doses) with an additional treatment (control) without biofertilizer application. Three biofertilizers (B1: Biofertilizer produced from vermicomposted plant residues, B2: Biofertilizer produced from composted plant residues, and B3: Biofertilizer produced from plant residues) were diluted in four concentrations (C1: 5%, C2: 10%, C3: 15%, and C4: 20%) and applied via foliar spray in lettuce culture with five replicates, totaling 65 experimental units. The evaluation of the biofertilizers at different concentrations did not show a significant effect on plant height, plant diameter, chlorophyll index, leaf area, stem dry weight, leaf fresh weight, and leaf dry weight. The study also did not confirm the hypothesis that the use of vermicomposted humus in biofertilizer would bring productivity gains to the culture due to the release of beneficial substances for plant development.