Abstract

RODRIGUEZ DIAZ, Eduardo et al. Tezontle reuse: effect on physical properties and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) production. Terra Latinoam [online]. 2013, vol.31, n.4, pp.275-284. ISSN 2395-8030.

Changes in physical properties of tezontle reused as a substrate for growing tomatoes were studied (first use T0, first reuse T1 and second reuse T2), as well as the influence of these changes in production of tomato. The research was conducted in a greenhouse in Tlajomulco, Jalisco. A hydroponic system was used from August 2009 to September 2010 with the tomato variety SUN 7705. The experimental design was completely randomized. Physical properties of the substrate (particle size, bulk density, moisture retention and aeration) were evaluated at the beginning and end of each crop cycle. Redistribution of particle size and some crop response variables (fruit weight, degrees Brix, plant height and stem diameter) were also evaluated. An increase in moisture retention capacity (from 43% at T0 to 46% in T1 and 48% in T2) and a decrease in aeration capacity (from 12% at T0 to 9% in T1 and 8% in T2) was observed due to changes in particle size distribution caused by reuse. Agronomically, these changes did not affect weight variables or degrees Brix of fruit. Statistical differences were significant only in plant height and stem diameter. The results showed that the volcanic rock can be used as a substrate for three consecutive crop cycles of hydroponic tomato with no decrease in productivity, allowing a cost savings of approximately one hundred and sixty thousand pesos per hectare for each reuse.

Keywords : substrate; hydroponics; particle size; porosity; fruit weight.

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