Grape Fruit Waste Compost as a Nursery Substrate Ingredient for High-Quality Cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.) Seedlings Production

Summary

This greenhouse experiment evaluated grape fruit waste (GFW) compost as a constituent of nursery substrates for cucumber seedling production using thirteen treatment combinations. GFW-based composts demonstrated superior nutrient content (N, P, K, organic matter) and lower heavy metal concentrations compared to the coco peat–vermiculite control, though single GFW compost negatively affected germination and growth. Mixing GFW compost with either coco peat or vermiculite at a 1:1 volumetric ratio optimised seedling performance metrics and offers a low-cost, waste-recycling alternative for commercial horticultural nurseries.

Regional applicability

The study does not specify the country of origin, limiting direct assessment of applicability to UK nursery practice. However, the principle of integrating local agricultural and food processing waste (grape processing residues) into horticultural substrates is transferable and aligns with UK circular economy objectives for nursery production, particularly where viticulture or grape processing occurs.

Key measures

Seed germination percentage (FGP), seedling vigour index (CGRI), survival rate, seedling growth parameters, substrate chemical properties (N, P, K, organic matter, pH, EC, C/N ratio), heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb), and total phenolic content

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated the use of compost from grape fruit waste (GFW) as a nursery substrate ingredient, assessing its effects on chemical properties, nutrient content, and germination and seedling growth parameters of cucumber. Substrates mixing GFW compost with coco peat or vermiculite at 1:1 ratio were optimal for seed germination, seedling survival and growth.

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