Does fertilization hardening improve the morphometric and physiological characteristics of Pinus rudis Endl. Seedlings?

Abstract

Introduction: One strategy to improve plant quality is fertilization hardening, which promotes the accumulation of nutrients. Objective: To evaluate hardening in Pinus rudis Endl. plants with different levels of phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and soluble fertilizer (SF) in irrigation. Materials and methods: A completely randomized design was used to test levels 0, 50 and 100 % higher than the basic dose of P, K and SF (Peters Professional® 4-25-35 of N, P and K, respectively); the effect was measured in plant morphometry and nutrient content. An analysis of variance and mean separation was performed with Tukey’s test (P < 0.05). Changes in nutrient accumulation in plants were detected by graphical vector analysis. Results and discussion: Ten months after the hardening process, the seedlings had a root collar diameter of 4.8 to 5.5 mm, aerial dry weight of 4.2 to 4.4 g and root dry weight of 1.1 to 1.2 g. The doses of P, K and FS did not affect the morphometry of the plant, but did affect the concentration of nutrients. Vector analysis detected luxury nutrient consumption in the order P > N > K. The highest nutrient contents were achieved with SF at a level of 100 % above the basic dose (4-25-35). Conclusion. Hardening of P. rudis plants is possible through fertilization management. The process led to additional reserves in the foliage.