Use of Spent Coffee Ground Compost in Peat-Based Growing Media for the Production of Basil and Tomato Potting Plants

ABSTRACT

A spent coffee ground compost (SCGC) was evaluated as an alternative component of growing media to partially replace commercial peat (CP) and fertilizers in the production of potted plants. Seven mixtures (CP 100% + solid mineral fertilizers, CP 100% + liquid mineral fertilizers, CP 90% + SCGC 10%, CP 80% + SCGC 20%, CP 70% + SCGC 30%, CP 60% + SCGC 40%, and CP 100% without fertilizers) were compared for the production of basil and tomato potted plants. SCGC used in a proportion up to 40% enhanced the general plant stand by affecting the dry weight and the measured foliar parameters. Tomato and basil recorded good growth rates on SCGC-amended media, showing quality indices similar to those obtained under fertilization, evidencing compost plant nutrition provision. SCGC appears to be suitable for application as a partial peat substitute in the production of potted plants.

KEYWORDS:

• Biometrical indices
• food waste compost
• peat substitute
• potting substrate
• sustainable plant production

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all the staff and students of the CRA-ORT and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia for their generous collaboration. The authors thank the local bars and farms that provided the raw materials for the production of compost.