Effect of harvest time and manure type in the leaf analysys of lemongrass

Abstract

This work was carried out to value the nutritional status of lemongrass, according to the harvest time and the manure type, by leaf analysis. The experiment used a factorial pattern 2x4, with two harvest times (180 and 360 days after planting) and four manure types (control, mineral manure, sheep manure and earthworm humus). The manures were applied to provide 100 kg of N/ha, without further applications. Seedlings were obtained by shoot division and planted in seedbeds, using space 0.7 x 0.6 m. Mature leaves, fully developed, were collected on the occasion of harvest times. The material was sent over to the laboratory and the macro nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micro nutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn)’s levels were analyzed. It was verified that organic and mineral manures had supplied the macro nutrients in satisfactory amounts, except for K, which only the mineral manure was efficient. The organics manures had supplied Cu and Zn to the plant. Leaf analysis is appropriate to evaluate the nutritional status of lemongrass.