USE OF AGROINDUSTRIAL RESIDUES AS SUBSTRATE FOR SEEDLING PRODUCTION: USE OF BIOMASS RESIDUES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PEAT IN THE PRODUCTION OF FOREST SPECIES

Abstract

Abstract

Seedling production represents a strategic stage in forest production systems, since the quality of plants produced in nurseries influences species establishment after planting and the efficiency of reforestation and environmental restoration projects. In this context, the substrates used in the production process condition the availability of water, nutrients, and oxygen in the root environment. The dependence on conventional materials, especially peat, has stimulated the search for alternatives based on the use of agroindustrial residues and residual biomass. The general objective of this study is to analyze the use of agroindustrial residues as substrates in the production of forest species seedlings. The specific objectives are to examine the functions of substrates in seedling production, evaluate the performance of seedlings produced with substrates derived from biomass residues, and discuss the environmental implications of replacing peat with alternative materials. The research problem is formulated as follows: how can agroindustrial residues replace peat as a substrate in the production of forest seedlings? The study adopts a bibliographic approach based on the analysis of scientific studies published on the subject. The results indicate that biomass residues have the potential to compose substrates capable of supporting the initial growth of seedlings, contributing to productive practices oriented toward the use of organic residues and the reduction of dependence on conventional inputs.