Production of strellensis Cariniana seedlings in response to nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

Jequitibá-rosa (Brazilian name) is a tree that can reach 30 to 50 meters in height, with valuable wood production and aptitude for artificial regeneration programs, but information on adequate fertilization in the seedling production process is still scarce. The objective of this work was to verify the effect of nitrogen sources and doses on the growth and quality of jequitibá-rosa seedlings. The seedlings were produced in red-yellow Latosol, in the region of Viçosa MG, in pots with a capacity of 1.5 dm³. The nitrogen (N) sources used were ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate and calcium nitrate, in five doses (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 mg/dm³ of N) applied in installments at 25, 50, 75 and 100 days after subculture. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme (3 x 5), with four replications. At 125 days after subculture, the morphological characteristics of the plants were evaluated. The source x dose interaction was significant for all characteristics and indices evaluated. The sources with the highest averages were ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate, in N doses ranging from 70 to 225 mg/dm³. It is recommended for the production of jequitibá-rosa seedlings, an average dose of 170 mg/dm³ of N using ammonium nitrate as a source or 100 mg/dm³ of N through ammonium sulphate, split at 25, 50, 75 and 100 days after plant repotting.