The Effect of Sugarcane Leaf Substrate on the Growth of Macadamia Integrifalia Seedlings

Abstract

In order to select an alternative substrate formula to replace imported peat for Macadamia integrifalia seedlings, this study used sugarcane leaves as the primary material, supplemented with livestock and poultry manure, and employed a self-developed high-temperature aerobic fermentation technology. Through formula optimization, the effects of different ratios of sugarcane leaf substrates on the growth of Macadamia integrifalia seedlings was investigated. The results suggested that, except for T4, the treatments T1-T3 can effectively promote the growth of Macadamia integrifalia seedlings. Among them, the T2 treatment group had a significantly higher plant height growth rate than the control group (CK group), and the stem diameter growth rate of T2 was second only to that of CK group. Neverthess, the root growth of T2 was significantly better than that of CK group. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of the nutrient requirements and growth performance of Macadamia integrifalia seedlings, the T2 treatment, with a substrate ratio of V (sugarcane leaf-pig manure substrate): V (topsoil) = 1:5, was found to be the best substrate formula for cultivating Macadamia integrifalia seedlings.