NPK fertilization on initial growth of physic nut seedlings in Quartzarenic Neossol

Patrícia Teixeira de Souza,Paulo Henrique Grazziotti,Luiz Arnaldo Fernandes,Enilson de Barros Silva

doi:10.1590/s0100-06832011000200025

Patrícia Teixeira de Souza, Paulo Henrique Grazziotti + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0100-06832011000200025

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Abstract

Balanced fertilization is important for plant growth. There is little information on physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) and tests with the fertilization of the species are very recent. This study evaluated the initial growth of physic nut seedlings in response to NPK rates to Quartzarenic Neossol in a greenhouse and estimated P and K critical soil levels and N, P and K in shoot dry matter after 120 days of evaluation. The treatments were arranged in a randomized, fractional factorial design (4 x 4 x 4)½, totalizing 32 treatments with three replicates, 96 experimental plots and N rates (0, 75, 150 and 300 mg dm-3) as urea; P rates (0, 45, 90 and 180 mg dm-3) as triple superphosphate and K rates (0, 50, 100 and 200 mg dm-3) as potassium chloride. After 120 days, the plants were harvested and some variables evaluated: plant height, stem diameter, shoot and root dry weight, macro and micronutrient levels in plant shoots, and soil chemical properties. The physic nut seedlings responded to NPK fertilizer in the initial growth phase; the response to N was negative. The recommended P and K rates were 25 and 67 mg dm-3, respectively. The critical levels, corresponding to the recommended P rate were 13 and 74 mg dm-3 for K in soil (Mehlich-1). The N, P and K levels in the shoot dry matter of physic nut were 37.4, 2.1 and 35.7 g kg-1, respectively.

Highlights

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas) belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, the same as castor bean (Ricinus sp.), cassava (Manhiot sp.) and rubber tree (Hevea sp.), and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas
Physic nut growth was influenced by fertilization with increasing NPK rates applied to soil, with response of N - P interaction between and isolated response to K (Table 2)
Maximum growth of physic nuts was obtained without N application and at a P rate of 115 mg dm-3

Summary

Introduction

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas) belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, the same as castor bean (Ricinus sp.), cassava (Manhiot sp.) and rubber tree (Hevea sp.), and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Physic nut has a variety of favorable properties for oil exploration, such as: fast growth, easy propagation, perennial cycle, adaptation to areas of low and high precipitation, low seed cost, and high oil content (Sujatha et al, 2008). Other studies showed that the trees can produce excellent yields up to 40 years (Laviola & Dias, 2008) and a high profit by exploration of the native environment (Saturnio et al, 2005). Applications of physic nut were successful in soil conservation, green fertilizer, fuel, medicinal use and insecticide (Jongschaap et al, 2007). The crop needs fertile soils and good physical conditions. Liming and fertilization are decisive factors for success and profitability with this species

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