Earthworm castings associated organic compost to tomato seedlings production

The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of use of organic compound associated with earthworm castings in the production of tomato seedlings. The experiment was carried under greenhouse conditions at Instituto Federal Minas Gerais, campus Bambui. This work was developed in completely randomized experimental design, with seven treatments and twenty- five repetitions. The treatments were: T1 - Commercial substrate of the coconut fiber and eucalyptus (SC); T2 50% SC + 25 % Organic compound (CO) + 25% Earthworm castings (HM); T3 - 25% SC + 50% CO + 25% HM; T4 - 25% SC + 25% CO + 50% HM; T5 - 50% CO + 50% HM; T6 - 100% HM e T7 - 100% CO. The evaluated parameters showed that the addition of different ratios of organic compound associated with earthworm humus in the commercial substrate significantly improves its physical and chemical properties, providing better aeration, improved water retention and availability of nutrients during this initial phase. There was a linear response with respect to the addition of these organic materials with the commercial substrate, so that both the organic and the post with earthworm humus have the potential to be used in pure form as a substrate for the production of tomato seedlings. Despite the good growth of seedlings in these treatments, the nutrients provided by the substrate are not sufficient to meet the initial demand of culture, thus being necessary to undertake a fertilizer supplement growth during the seedling production.