Response of gerbera inflorescences in function of electrical conductivity and pH solution in substrates

Resumo

The objective of this work was to evaluate the production of gerbera inflorescences under the influence of pH and the electrical conductivity of the solution of the substrates irrigated with liquid organic fertilizers. The experimental design was of randomized blocks, with four replications and five treatments. Treatments were defined according to fertilization source, which were mineral (NPK) and organic. Organic fertilization was obtained by diluting four organic compounds from agroindustry residue (reproductive poultry bedding, hatchery waste, flotation sludge, sausage skins, coal from boilers, truck wash residue solid fraction and sugar cane bagasse) in composting pro­cess in water. After compounds obtainment, water dilution was performed, adjusting nutritive solution electrical conductivity values. Substrate solution electrical conductivity (EC) and pH determination was held at 1, 14, 28, 42, and 56 days after acclimatization in a 1:5 dilution (m/v). Potted gerberas inflorescences were evaluated at 56 days after acclimatization. Number of inflorescences (NI), inflorescence dry matter (IDM), stem height (SH), head diameter (HD), and stem diameter (SD) were determined. The electrical conductivity of the solution of the substrate in the mineral fertilizer is above indicated for gerbera culture, reflecting the lower inflorescence stem height. The pH values obtained from the solution of the substrates are within the range for the development of potted gerberas.