This work aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of different materials and their compositions, as well as their efficiency in the production of Ilex paraguariensis seedlings in plastic tubes. The work was conducted at the Baldo S.A. Company nursery in São Mateus do Sul, PR, Brazil. Six materials were used to formulate 14 treatments: cattle manure, semi-decomposed sawdust, Ilex paraguariensis chopped stems, underground earth, commercial substrate based on pinus bark and earthworm humus. The results indicated that the treatments containing sawdust, Ilex paraguariensis stems and mainly cattle manure, besides being more economical, produced good quality seedlings. The treatments consisting of 40% cattle manure and 60% sawdust stood out because of the good cost-benefit ratio and the easiness of preparation. Substrate chemical characteristics did not affect the physical characteristics, as well the influence of physical characteristics on Ilex paraguariensis seedling production depends on the analyzed variable.
Mate; sexual propagation; plant propagation
