Abstract

The effects of substrates formulated with different proportions of decomposed buriti stem (Mauritia flexuosa) and the application of nitrogen fertilizer rates in the production of cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.) seedlings were investigated in this study. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design, in a 3 × 5 factorial: three substrates formulated from different proportions of decomposed buriti stem (0, 25 and 50%) with a clay loam soil (Oxisol), and five N fertilizer rates (0; 100; 200; 300 and 400 mg dm^-3), with four replicates. At 60 days after emergence, the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, root length, dry matter accumulation of shoots, roots, and total, shoot:root dry matter ratio (SRR), height:diameter ratio (HDR), and Dickson quality index (DQI) were measured. The substrate containing soil and decomposed buriti stem in the proportion of 3:1 (v:v), in association with the application of N rates from 167 to 190 mg dm^-3 is recommended for the production of cagaita seedlings, resulting in positive effects on plant growth and development as reported by higher PH, SRR, and HDR. The application of 154 mg dm^-3 of N resulted in higher DQI of the cagaita seedlings.

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