Transforming Bombax ceiba L. sawdust waste into a valuable growth substrate: An example with sugarcane

Abstract

The rising prices of peat moss and coco-peat caused by the gradual depletion of natural resources have derived researchers to explore new soilless alternatives which are inexpensive, productive, and sustainable. Conversion of sawdust waste into productive compost can be an applicable solution. The research objective was to test the composted mixtures of Bombax ceiba L. sawdust as soilless substrates to raise sugarcane seedlings. Over two years of experiments, a range of B. ceiba sawdust treatments were used. The germination, seedlings height, leave numbers plant−1, chlorophyll content index, leaf area, the diameter of the stem, and shoot and root (fresh and dry) weights were higher in seedlings grown in all B. ceiba sawdust compost mixtures than in soil. In conclusion, B. ceiba 60 %, mixed with banana peels 20 %, eggshells 20 % (v/v), and urea at a rate of 158 kg N ha−1 can be a productive and inexpensive soilless alternative to raise sugarcane seedlings.