Growth and seedlings quality of Cnidoscolus quercifoliusPohl in relation to substrate and water levels

Abstract

In view of the Brazilian ecosystems degradation, it is necessary to produce qualityseedlings in order to recover them. However, to meet this purpose it is necessary to cause the minimum possible environmental impact. In this sense, the use of alternative materials in the composition of the substrate, as well as reduction in the amount of water in the nursery phase are aspects that must be considered. The present work was conducted with the objective of evaluating substrates and water levels in the growth and quality of faveleira seedlings, four mixtures were evaluated, two being between soil and manure (2: 1 and 3: 1) and soil and vermiculite tailings (2: 1 and 3: 1) combined with four water levels (100, 75, 50 and 25% of pot capacity) in the 4 x 4 factorial scheme. The treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design with four replicates per treatment. The parameters analyzed were plant height, stem diameter; dry masses of shoots, roots, leaves, and the total; absolute growth rate; the height/diameter ratio and the Dickson ́s IndexQuality. The substrate composed of soil + bovine manure provides the production of better quality seedlings. The water level between 75% and 100% of the pot capacity is recommended for the production of faveleria seedlings, as it provides greater growth.Water levels below 75% of pot capacityCPreduce plant growth and dry matter. The substrates soil+bovine manure and soil+vermiculite tailings, in the 2:1 proportionprovide a better quality of seedlings.