Abstract
Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. (African mahogany) is one of the most economically important forest species, since it is used in the international furniture market. However, little is known about its culture and nutritional requirements. This study aimed to assess the development of K. ivorensis plants subjected to different base saturations, as well as to different N, P and K levels. An 8-ha area was used, wherein 4 ha had base saturation increased to 55% and the remaining 4 ha to 75%. The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks with eight repetitions in a factorial scheme (4 × 4 × 4), being four N doses, four P doses and four K doses. The base saturation was assessed through the block effect. The root collar diameter and the plant height were measured 12 months after planting. Each experimental plot comprised six plants. The root collar diameter showed statistical differences between blocks and N doses. Only the NPK association showed statistical variation in plant height. However, a growth decreasing trend resulting from increased N doses was observed, as well as a growth increasing trend resulting from increased P and K doses. All treatments favored African mahogany growth. The most indicated base saturation was 55%, since there was no plant growth improvement when V% was increased to 75%. The excess of N impaired the growth of the species. The best treatment comprised 60 g urea, 240 g triple superphosphate, and 168 g potassium chloride.
Highlights
Meliaceae is an important hardwood family, which comprises the most valuable tropical timbers in the world (Ravindran, 2018)
The restriction on the cutting and trade of timber derived from native trees resulted in the expanded cultivation of exotic tree species such as the African mahogany (Nikler et al, 2008; Karan et al, 2012)
According to Associação Brasileira de Produtores de Florestas Plantadas (ABRAF), the total area planted with forests in Brazil was 7,185,943 ha in 2012 (ABRAF, 2013)
Summary
Meliaceae is an important hardwood family, which comprises the most valuable tropical timbers in the world (Ravindran, 2018). Genera such as Swietenia sp., Cedrella sp., Toona sp., Khaya sp., among others, belong to this family. Brazil has considerably grown despite the recent global economic crisis, and the forestry sector productive chain accounts for part of this growth. According to Associação Brasileira de Produtores de Florestas Plantadas (ABRAF), the total area planted with forests in Brazil was 7,185,943 ha in 2012 (ABRAF, 2013). The Brazilian forest product market accounted for US$ 7.54 billion of the national exports in that same year
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