Effect of fresh and composted spent coffee grounds on lettuce growth, photosynthetic pigments and mineral composition

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2014

Authors

Gomes, T (Author) Other; Pereira, JA (Author) Other; Ramalhosa, E (Author) Other; Susana Casal (Author) FFUP; Baptista, P (Author) Other

Conference proceedings International

Title: VII CONGRESO IBERICO DE AGROINGENIERIA Y CIENCIAS HORTICOLAS: INNOVAR Y PRODUCIR PARA EL FUTURO. INNOVATING AND PRODUCING FOR THE FUTURE

Pages: 1372-1376

7th Iberian Congress of Agricultural Engineering and Horticultural Sciences

Madrid, SPAIN, AUG 26-29, 2013

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00P-AGC

Abstract (EN): The coffee industry has experienced a constant growth and, as a consequence, large amounts of residues are generated worldwide. One of the main coffee residues are spent coffee grounds (SCG), which are the solid residues obtained after preparation of the coffee beverages. References to its use as organic fertilizer in domestic cultures, especially in gardens, are common. However, scientific evidence of its effectiveness or even safety remains largely unknown. The main objective of this work was to assess the effect of SCG, both composted and uncomposted, on Lactuca sativa L. growth and mineral composition under greenhouse conditions. It is also expected to find the optimum dose of SCG that would give maximum lettuce growth. With this purpose, lettuce plants cv. "Four seasons" were grown on topsoil (control) or in topsoil mixed with different concentrations of fresh (2.5; 5; 10; 15; 20%, v/v) or composted (5; 10; 15; 20; 30%, v/v) SCG. After 39 days of transplantation, the plants were collected and used to evaluate several growth parameters, as well as photosynthetic pigments and mineral contents on leaves. The application of both fresh and composted SCG, as well as their concentrations, had significant influence on all the parameters measured. Fresh SCG stimulated the plant growth at low concentrations (2.5-5%) but without significant differences when compared to control. A similar effect was observed for composted SCG, but only when applied at high concentrations (>10%). By contrast, the foliar-N, -P and K- contents were, in general, reduced by fresh and composted SCG. When comparing to fresh SCG, the composted SCG resulted, in average, in higher carotenoids content, foliar-N and -K contents, and plant growth. Both treatments could be used to recycle coffee grounds with demonstrated horticultural benefits.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5