Phosphate fertilization in the initial growth of seven native forest species intended for the recovery of a degraded area

Abstract

For an effective forest restoration, knowledge about the initial growth of plants is of fundamental importance. Among the aspects to be considered, the nutritional requirements ofthe species used for this purpose stand out, considering that these areas generally have low fertility soils, which can hinder the establishment and growth of the planted species. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of phosphate fertilization on native forest species, destined to the recovery of a degraded area. The experiment was carried out at the Center for Scientific and Technological Development at UFLA - Fazenda Muquém, located in the municipality of Lavras, Minas Gerais. The experimental design used was in complete randomized blocks, with 12 replicates and one plant per plot, in a 7 x 4 factorial scheme, with seven species and four doses of simple superphosphate (0, 150, 300 and 450 grams/ pit). At 60 days after planting, data on percentage of survival, diameter at ground level and plant height were collected. At 300 days, in addition to the diameter and height, the canopy projection area of the plants was evaluated. The species showed high percentages of survival, with the exception of Inga edulis, with 58% survival. Among the seven species studied, Schinus terebinthifolius and Guazuma ulmifolia were the ones that showed the highest growth in the analyzed parameters, being, therefore, the species with the greatest potential for a faster covering of this area. Phosphate fertilization influenced, in a different way, the initial growth of the seven species, in relation to the doses of simple superphosphate applied. It is recommended to dose 250 grams of simple superphosphate per hole, as a basic fertilization for all species.