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Abstract
Phosphorus (P) availability in subtropical soils does not often meet the nutritional demand of native tree species such as the ipê-roxo tree (Handroanthus heptaphyllus); therefore, it is necessary to supply P at planting. However, the impact of P on root system growth remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of P application on root morphology of H. heptaphyllus plants over a 36-month period in a subtropical climate region. During the experiment, the plants subjected to fertilization with 40 kg P ha−1 were compared to untreated control. Plant roots were scanned through minirhizotron system 18 and 36 months after transplant (MAT), and generated images were used to determine total root length, mean root diameter and total root volume. Plant height and leaf P concentrations were also evaluated. Phosphorus application enhanced root and whole plant growth with a more evident effect at 36 MAT, when soil P availability decreased. The results give important information on the cultivation of H. heptaphyllus plants in soils presenting low P availability.
Highlights
IntroductionNative tree species such as Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Vell.) Mattos (popularly known in Brazil as ipê-roxo tree or ipê-rosa) are often used in projects focused on reforestation processes, environmental preservation, recovery of degraded areas, urban afforestation and landscaping [1,2,3]
Native tree species such as Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Vell.) Mattos are often used in projects focused on reforestation processes, environmental preservation, recovery of degraded areas, urban afforestation and landscaping [1,2,3]
The aim of the current study was to evaluate root morphology in H. heptaphyllus plants grown in soil subjected, or not, to P application in subtropical climate region
Summary
Native tree species such as Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Vell.) Mattos (popularly known in Brazil as ipê-roxo tree or ipê-rosa) are often used in projects focused on reforestation processes, environmental preservation, recovery of degraded areas, urban afforestation and landscaping [1,2,3]. H. heptaphyllus grows quickly and presents a long cylindrical stem, high-density wood, resistance and durability [3,4]. The proper growth of native trees such as ipê-roxo tree, mainly in soils presenting low natural fertility, may be associated with the development of mechanisms or strategies such as root morphological modifications to increase soil exploration (cluster roots) changes in rhizospheric soil pH and exudation of organic acids such as malic and citric acids, among others, which increase soluble organic carbon concentration in the solution and, increase the solubilization and availability of nutrients such as phosphorus (P) [7,8]. Soil-available P concentrations do not always meet plants’ demands, especially in sites aimed at rapid wood growth and high yield [9,10]. It is necessary to apply phosphate fertilizers at seedling planting [10,11,12] to overcome this deficiency
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