THE USE OF WASTE MATERIALS AS POTTING MEDIA IN FRUIT TREE PRODUCTION

The use of several composted wastes was tested on container grown olive and peach plants. The plants were both irrigated and supplied with complete nutrient solutions. Chemical and biological parameters were evaluated to control the potential toxicity of compost based substrates as well as the nutrient availability. Compost based substrates had a higher nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content than the peat based substrate; furthermore significant increases were observed on total humic carbon and on the humic/fulvic acids ratio. The use of waste materials reflected an important energy saving and improved both plant's development and commercial quality.