Use of fish waste in the production of organic compounds for lettuce seedling production

ABSTRACT

There are many studies aimed at reducing the volume of waste from the fishing industry. These residues are an important source of raw material in organic production systems when composted. The objective of this work was to evaluate the parameters of total nutrient contents of the organic compost made with fish residues, comparing it to two other compositions, in addition to using it as substrate in the production of lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa). In the evaluation of lettuce seedlings production, a completely randomized design was used, with six treatments and four replications. The following were evaluated: Leaf quantity (QF), root length (CR), Aerial part dry mass (MSPA), and root dry mass (MSR). The parameters of organic matter (OM), C/N ratio and cation exchange capacity (CTC) were higher in the fish residue compound. For the production of MSPA, treatments T3 (compound made with fish residues) and T2 presented the highest averages, being treatment T2 (compound made with agroindustrial residues of the Carnauba palm) presented the highest averages, with T2 presenting the highest mean for MSR. For QF, the best results (p = 0.02) were obtained by T6 treatment, whose lettuce seedlings had a greater number of leaves and root length. The results suggest viability in the production of lettuce seedlings using a substrate based on fish residues.

Keywords:
fishing industry waste; composting; substrate; lettuce cultivation