Aplicación de residuos sólidos hidrolizados del proceso de pelambre enzimático como fuente de aminoácidos libres en el crecimiento de plántulas de maíz Aplicación de residuos sólidos hidrolizados del proceso de pelambre enzimático como fuente de aminoácidos libres en el crecimiento de plántulas de maíz

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of using hydrolyzed solid waste from the enzymatic unhairing process in the tanning industry on the growth of maize seedlings. Solid waste from the process of enzymatic unhairing is made up of hair, whose chemical composition is keratin. These residues were subjected to an alkaline hydrolysis, under conditions of 0.50 grams of calcium hydroxide per gram of solid residue, 90°C,for eight hours and under constant stirring. The liquid phase of the hydrolyzed product was used to prepare the concentrations of 1, 4, 8, 12 and 16%, which was applied to maize seedlings as irrigation water. The analyzed variables: fresh leaf nitrogen, corn height and leaf length, showed a direct relationship with the concentrations evaluated, because the hydrolyzate contributes mainly nitrogen in the form of free amino acids, which positively stimulates the growth of plants. Furthermore, it was found that a 12% solid residue hydrolyzate treatment produced the best results in corn height, leaf length and in fresh leaf nitrogen, which were 51.34%, 39.83% and 37.68%, respectively, higher than the target, which was just drinking water. It can be concluded that the liquid residue of hydrolyzed keratin releases free amino acids n the plant, which is a nutrient and growth regulating factor.