CCB. Artículos indexados en Scopus · 2026

Nutrient chemistry in coconut mineral mixed substrates for soilless culture

The use of substrate mixtures in soilless culture systems requires a comprehensive understanding of their chemical behavior, particularly regarding their capacity to supply or retain nutrients. This study evaluated the soluble and exchangeable fractions of coconut coir substrate mixed at five different proportions (100-0%, 75-25%, 50-50%, 25-75%, and 0-100%) with five mineral materials: coal slag, perlite, pumice, vermiculite, and zeolite. A total of 25 treatments were assessed under greenhouse conditions using carnation cuttings (Dianthus caryophyllus cv. Pomodoro) as a plant bioindicator. Results showed that vermiculite mixtures exhibited the highest cation exchange capacity (CEC) and significant sodium, manganese, and iron concentrations, while zeolite showed elevated levels of calcium and sodium in the exchangeable phase. Root development was positively correlated with soluble potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate levels. Treatments with equal proportions of vermiculite or pumice and coconut substrate (50:50) achieved the best rooting performance. These results highlight the importance of considering both soluble and exchangeable nutrient fractions to support substrate selection and fertigation management decisions in sustainable soilless crop production.