| dc.description.abstract | An alternative to reduce the impact of agricultural activities is the use of
vermicompost. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vermicompost as
liquid fertilizer and as a substrate on the quality of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa
Duch.) var. San Andreas, under greenhouse conditions. Two substrates were
evaluated: soil and a mixture of soil and vermicompost. Four treatments were applied
liquid fertilizer: 1) Nutrient solution (F), 2) Water (A), 3) Mixture of liquid nutrient
solution and vermicompost (F + HL), 4) Liquid vermicompost (VL). The results
showed that vermicompost as substrate, had no effect on the measured quality
parameters. However, liquid vermicompost favored fruit quality. It was noted that the
F + VL treatment showed a tendency to produce more fruit. Regarding average fruit
weight belonging to class A (equatorial diameter ≥ 3.2 cm), the VL treatment
promoted a significant increase of this parameter, compared to the treatments F, A
and F + VL (7%, 8% and 9% respectively). Besides, the treatments F + VL and VL
showed significant yield increases, when compared to the F treatment (18% and
44%, respectively). On the other hand, the VL treatment favored size of fruits
belonging to class A by increasing polar diameter, when compared to fruits in the
treatments F, A, F+VL (6%, 4% and 8% respectively). Therefore, liquid
vermicompost is a viable alternative for strawberry production, since it positively
impacts fruit quality and provides other known benefits (e.g. soil enrichment and low
cost). | |
