Effect of bases saturation on growth and nutrition of jatoba seedlings

Abstract

One of the major obstacles to the production of seedlings on a large scale and for the establishment of forest plantations with native species is the lack of knowledge about their nutritional requirements. Among these species, there is the Hymenaeae courbaril (Hayne) Lee e Lang, whose wood is widely used in construction. Therefore, we carried out experiments in the nursery, in order to verify influence of base saturation on growth and nutrition of jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril (Hayne) Lee et Lang). The soil used in the experiment was the Cambisol humic with loamy sand, collected in Cerrado area and, later, limestoned. The amount of lime used in each treatment was calculated according to the method of raising saturation. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replications: T0 - control (20 %); T1 – 40 % of base saturation; T2 – 60 %; T3 – 70 %; T4 – 90 %. Subsequently, we performed the basic fertilization with macro and micronutrients and topdressing with N. After 120 days of transplantation were evaluated: height, diameter collect, biomass of aerial parts and roots; and the concentration of macronutrients. The base saturation influenced the growth of H. courbaril. The highest values for the morphological characteristics were observed in base saturation of 40%. Appropriate concentrations of macro and micronutrients were between the 20 % (control), 40 % and 70 % saturation.