Influence of mica tailings, bovine biofertilizer and coconut fiber coverage on radish production

Abstract

Radish is an important vegetable for crop diversification in small rural properties, which has a short cycle, providing quick financial returns. Mica tailings cause environmental problems in Seridó Paraíba, being the object of research for use in agriculture. The research aimed to evaluate the influence of the use of mica, bovine biofertilizer and ground cover with coconut fiber on radish growth and productivity. The experiment was carried out at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraíba – Campus Picuí, in a randomized block design, with eight treatments, with two types of substrate (100.0% soil; 50.0% soil + 50 .0% mica), without and with application of bovine biofertilizer, without and with coconut fiber soil covering. The application of bovine biofertilizer favors radish productivity, more significantly without the use of ground cover with coconut fiber. In the production of radishes, it is not recommended to use 50.0% of mica in the substrate nor to cover the soil with coconut fiber, however, weekly applications of bovine biofertilizer benefit the growth and production of the radish.