Organic waste and controlled-release fertilizer maximize the growth of Citharexylum montevidense in nursery and in the field

Abstract

Background: The increase in agricultural production requires sustainable alternatives development for reusing the waste generated, such as bovine manure, to obtain ecological, environmental, and economic benefits. In addition, proper fertilization is one of the main steps in the production of forest species seedlings. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the effect of different substrates formulations based on bovine manure and types of fertilizers on the quality of C. montevidense seedlings and verify if the field confirms the nurseries’ responses. The treatments consisted of three BM-based substrates combinations (S0 - control, no manure; S30 - 30% BM; and S60 - 60% BM) and four types of base fertilizers [Control: no fertilizer, FRF - Fast Release Fertilizer (NPK + fritted trace elements), FRF2 - twice as used in FRF and CRF - Controlled Release Fertilizer]. The substrates quality and the seedlings’ morphophysiological attributes were determined 160 days after sowing, then conducting the best treatments to the field. Results: We verified that the use of bovine manure improved the physical and chemical properties of the substrates. For the C. montevidense cultivation, 30% BM plus CRF provided the best seedling development. The substrate used in the seedlings production influenced the post-planting performance of C. montevidense, and the bovine manure use allows for more significant plant growth in the field. Conclusion: For the cultivation of Citharexylum montevidense, it is recommended to use substrates composed of 30% of bovine manure, associated with 6 g L-1 of controlled-release fertilizer, as it provides higher quality seedlings in shorter production time in the nursery.