ABSTRACT

In the Amazon-Cerrado ecotone, increased costs from non-organic inputs and transportation render substrates more expensive, prompting the use of decomposed biomass from native palm stem for seedlig production. The study was carried out with the objective of evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of the decomposed biomass of babassu palms (BDB), carnauba (BDC), and buriti (BBU) compared to the commercial substrate (SC) via multivariate analysis. This study employed a database comprising 90 substrates, obtained from Maranhão, Brazil farms. These samples underwent physicochemical characterization following the Brazilian protocol for seedling substrates. The substrates based on BDB and BDC have pH and nutrient contents at acceptable values, in addition to lower potential acidity and high base saturation compared to BBU and SC substrates. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering revealed similarities between BDB, BDC and SC. Biomass decomposed from the stems of babassu and carnauba palms is recommended as an alternative substrate for seedling producers in the in the Amazon-Cerrado ecotone.

Key words:
chemical indicators; sustainable agriculture; seedling production; sustainability

HIGHLIGHTS:

Decomposed biomass from palm trees like babassu (BDB) and carnauba (BDC) is an alternative substrate for seedling production.

The substrate of BDB and BDC has physicochemical characteristics like those of a commercial sub-strate.

The physicochemical characteristics of the decomposed biomass of the buriti palm restrict its use as an alternative substrate.