Evaluation of sustainable horticultural practices in the Trifinio region of El Salvador, Central America

Addressing the challenges posed by climate change and declining soil fertility in the tropical Trifinio region in El Salvador requires the investigation of new sustainable practices that can support local farmers. The thesis studies the application of symbiotic fungi in tomato nursery seedlings, a key culture for the country, and identifies the best combination of variety, substrate and irrigation for producing quality seedlings. This thesis secondly studies hydroponic cultivation of cucumber, with the aim of identifying the best substrate for soilless cultivation from a production and economic point of view.