Mulch decomposition and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium release in vetiver grass at different plant densities

Jaídson Gonçalves Da Rocha,Gabriela Carvalho De Souza Santos,Fábio Cunha Coelho,Rosana Teixeira Lelis,Mário Euclides Pechara Da Costa Jaeggi

doi:10.1590/1983-40632020v5064603

Jaídson Gonçalves Da Rocha, Gabriela Carvalho De Souza Santos + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-40632020v5064603

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Abstract

ABSTRACT In order to meet the need for nutrients or soil cover, when plants are used as green manure, it is necessary to determine the ideal plant population, as well as the amount and duration of released nutrients. This study aimed to assess the decomposition and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) release rates of vetiver grass mulch. A split-plot arrangement was used, with the plots consisting of mulch decomposition times after cutting (0, 15, 25, 70 and 125 days) and the subplots of vetiver plant densities (1, 2, 3 and 4 plants m-2). A randomized block design was used, with four replications. The highest release rates for N, P and K were recorded during the first five days. The plant density of 3 plants m-2 exhibited the highest mulch dry weight at 125 days and contained more N, P and K, when compared to the populations of 1, 2 and 4 plants m-2.

Highlights

Vetiver grass [Chrysopogon zizaniodes (L.) Robert] is a perennial plant from the Poaceae family, whose morphological characteristics are very similar to those of aromatic plants such as lemongrass [Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf.], citronella grass [Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle] and palmarosa
A plant suitability as green manure or soil cover depends on characteristics such as mulch production and soil coverage, nutrient availability and adaptation to the local climate and soil
Significant effects were largely observed for decomposition times and plant densities (p < 0.05), with primary macronutrient concentrations displaying a significant effect (p > 0.05) only for decomposition times

Summary

Introduction

Vetiver grass [Chrysopogon zizaniodes (L.) Robert] is a perennial plant from the Poaceae family, whose morphological characteristics are very similar to those of aromatic plants such as lemongrass [Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf.], citronella grass [Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle] and palmarosa It is known as “the wonder grass”, due to its wide variety of medicinal (fever, rheumatism, sexual diseases, burns, insect and snake bites, etc.), herbal (antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, etc.) and industrial (cosmetics, perfumes, fragrances, etc.) applications (Shabbir et al 2019). A plant suitability as green manure or soil cover depends on characteristics such as mulch production and soil coverage, nutrient availability and adaptation to the local climate and soil. Crusciol et al (2008) observed that the soil cover is a source of nutrients for subsequent crops. This kind of Received: July 22, 2020.

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