The effect of type and dosage of organic fertilizer in the production of mint (Mentha Piperita L.) biomass

Abstract

This work has been carried out to assess the effect of type and dosage of organic fertilizers on the production of mint. The experiment followed the factorial model 2x4+1, being two types of organic reidue (castor seed tart and chicken manure), for dosage (0,5; 1; 2 and 4% of weight), and another control (no fertilizer). No cover fertilizer was applied. The cover fertilizer was applied. The cultivation was carried out in a green house, in plastic pots with 2dm3 capacity. The mint plants were produced from seeds, sowed in trays containing substrates and transferred to the pots in the 8 definitive leaves stage, one plant per pot. The plants were cut 120 days after planting, and the following parameters were measured: fresh biomass from the leaves, roots and total biomass. The data was analysed by the use of SAEG program. The results obtained showed that plants cultivated with chicken manure had the greatest biomass production in a linear pattern. The castor seed tart presented a quadratic response; e the maximun point was with 2% dose. The chicken manure can be used in high dosages for that production of mint, wereas the castor seed tart cannot be applied above 2% in weight.