Growth and quality of Inga laurina seedlings as a function of the substrate and additional fertilization

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mixtures of a commercial substrate and coconut coir dust (CCD) to grow Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd. (Fabaceae) seedlings. Polyethylene tubes were filled with four mixtures of a commercial substrate HS Florestal® (HSF) and CCD in the following proportions: T1 = 100% HSF, T2 = 80% HSF + 20% CCD, T3 = 60% HSF + 40% CCD and T4 = 40% HSF + 60% CCD. The experiments were conducted independently, with supplement fertilization (experiment I) and without (experiment II). Seedlings growth and quality were evaluated at the end of the experiments, 81 days (experiment I) and 110 days (experiment II) after transplanting. It was concluded that supplement fertilization presented no differences in the growth and quality of I. laurina seedlings until up to 60% of PFC mixed with commercial substrate. Without supplement fertilization the mix of 80% HSF + 20% PFC is indicate for production of I. laurina seedlings. Moreover, the lack of supplement nitrogen fertilization and addition of PFC to the commercial substrate stimulated nodulation.