Productivity, morphology and mineral composition of forage palm clones biostimulated with humic substances

Abstract

An initial protocol was carried out in pots with forage cactus, in a greenhouse for 90 days and, in this, the dilution of SH_6.25% [1/16 - SH (100%)] of humic substances (HS) was determined. of commercial vermicompost (earthworm humus) as the best dose of stimulus to plants through the integration of dose-response curves. This concentration was then tested in the field when planting cactus. The application of humic substances occurred one week after planting, randomizing the planting lines, so that of the 24 lines implemented, half received application of humic substances and the other half did not receive any treatment after implantation. Morphological and morphogenetic analyzes of cactus pear were carried out and it was observed that the application of humic substances provided greater positive correlations between the morphogenic variables and the production of vegetative biomass since in the treatment with humic substances the plants obtained greater vegetative biomass, height, length, width w cladode perimeter and largest cladode area index. Higher levels of potassium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese and boron were also observed in plants that received humic substances. These responses show that the use of humic substances increases the production of palm biomass and positively affects the morphogenic characteristics of the crop.