Use of Compost Based on Invasive Algae Rugulopteryx okamurae as a Peat Alternative in Nursery Growing Media

The invasion of the macroalgae Rugulopteryx okamurae is causing several environmental and economic problems along Spanish Mediterranean coasts. use composts based on R. as a peat alternative in nursery production could be valid for exploitation this organic material. present study evaluated three different substitutes potting media to grow tomato seedlings: compost okamurae, green horticultural residues (two-thirds) (one-third), garden pruning (one-third). Each was used formulate two substrates reduce (40% compost, 40% peat, 20% perlite) or entirely substitute it (80% perlite), using control treatment with 80% perlite. Only received mineral fertigation during trial. results showed that high initial electrical conductivity ion concentration were remarkably reduced thanks fast leaching salt occurred customary irrigation. Generally, compost-based treatments allowed us obtain seedlings satisfactory morphological parameters. contained led best term seedling It therefore concluded okamuare growing medium valorization algae.