INFLUÊNCIA DE DIFERENTES SUBSTRATOS NO DESENVOLVIMENTO DA Curcuma longa L. (AÇAFRÃO-DA-TERRA)

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a plant of great economic, medicinal, and agricultural importance, widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite its potential, production still faces limitations, mainly due to inadequate management practices, with substrate selection being one of the most critical factors for producing high-quality seedlings. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different substrates on the growth and development of turmeric seedlings, seeking low-cost and accessible options that can enhance production. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Jataí-Xingu Farm, located in São Félix do Araguaia, Mato Grosso (Brazil), using six types of substrate: one commercial substrate (Terra Vegetal Vitaplan) and five combinations of materials such as soil, washed sand, cattle manure, rich black soil (terra preta), carbonized rice husk, earthworm humus, and coconut fiber. Plant characteristics such as height, leaf area, root volume, biomass, and gas exchange were evaluated, with statistical analysis performed using ANOVA and mean comparison tests. The substrates containing rich black soil, especially when combined with cattle manure or carbonized rice husk (T3 and T5), showed the best performance across nearly all evaluated parameters, even outperforming the commercial substrate. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the use of alternative substrates—particularly those incorporating widely available organic materials—represents a viable and efficient strategy for the production of Curcuma longa L. seedlings, benefiting small-scale farmers and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.