Obtaining and characterization of a nutritional substrate made from cocoa waste for the production of a vegetable seedling

Abstract

In cocoa processing, a large amount of waste is produced, of which the shells are the most important; The cobs are generally discarded within the same crops and generate problems such as the proliferation of insects and pathogenic microorganisms. Adding value to these by-products was evaluated by incorporating cocoa shell waste into the
formulation of a substrate for growing vegetables. The objective of this research was to obtain a substrate that serves as a material and nutritional support for vegetable seedlings, from Criollo cocoa shells. The plant biomass was characterized taking into account parameters such as humidity percentage, pH, ash percentage, potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus content. Subsequently, comparative tests of formulation, sowing and growth of vegetable, tomato and cucumber seedlings were carried out, obtaining the optimal substrate formula and the best development medium. From the results it is concluded that, through adequate processing and use of cocoa shells, we transform waste into an alternative biomaterial product that generates an agroindustrial bioprospecting option. The values ​​obtained in the characterization of the ears depend on conditions such as soil type, agrometeorological variables, water quality, fertilizer and plant species. The planting scenario conditions the optimal development of the seedlings. Factors such as water requirement, nutrient distribution and seedling stability are affected by the germination space ratio.