Improving growing substrates by adding the seaweed Cystoseira baccata

Abstract We examined the impact of adding seaweed Cystoseira baccata (Ochrophyta, Sargassaceae) in various forms to two different growing substrates: pine bark and gorse compost. Specifically, we influence on physical chemical properties substrates, their agronomic performance a lettuce crop. The was used 20% (v/v) proportion three forms, namely: fresh (FS), washed (WFS), dried (WDS). mixed substrates exhibited no signs instability. FS DWS increased total water retention capacity by 27%, respectively. Adding any its this type substrate, which is poor nutrients has low electrical conductivity (EC), significantly P, K, Mg Na contents, as well EC (from 0.08 dS m –1 control substrate 0.69, 0.12 0.27 those containing FS, WFS WDS, respectively). On other hand, only form (FS) altered salinity K content rich salts such compost 0.89 1.42 −1 terms 0.59% 0.98% K). All mixtures performed for Those aerial mass compost, while tested formats bark.