Growth of Eucalyptus urocam Under Different Irrigation Managements

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different water irrigation managements on the growth of Eucalyptus urocam plants. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Goiás State University, Ipameri campus, Brazil, using 100-day-old Eucalyptus urocam seedlings, which were transplanted into pots with 5 kg of substrate. A completely randomized experimental design with five replications was used, in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement consisting of two daily irrigation depths (50%, and 100% of the substrate retention capacity) and four irrigation times (7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.). The treatments were applied when the plants were 120 days old, and last 18 days, then, the variables were analyzed. E. urocam plants subjected to water deficit had high stomatal sensitivity, reduced transpiration rate, and maintained hydration, which are characteristics of isohydric plants. E. urocam plants irrigated at 4:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. presented low stomatal sensitivity and high biomass accumulation potential. Therefore, irrigations between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. are recommended for Eucalyptus urocam plants at the initial growth stage.