Plant growth and yield of butter kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala), as influenced by the combined application of bovine manure and rock powder

Abstract

The supply of organic matter in soil of arid and semiarid in Brazilian regions is very import, as it allows to increase crop yields.  However, there are few studies on alternative sources of fertilizer for vegetables.  Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of different doses of bovine manure and rock powder (RP) on growth characteristics, concentration of chlorophyll, and physiological indices and production of (B. oleracea L. var. acephala).  The treatments were arranged in five randomized blocks in a factorial 4 x 4 reference doses of bovine manure (60, 120, 180 and 240 g pit-1) combined with doses of rock powder (6, 12, 18 and 24 g pit-1).  Doses of bovine manure and rock powder of 180 and 18 g, respectively, increased the growth of B. oleracea by plant height, stem diameter, leaf number.  The combination doses of bovine manure 120 g + 12 g rock powder and 120 g of bovine manure + 18 g rock powder, provided, in this order, larger leaf area results for the productivity of B. oleracea.  The bovine manure promotes greater concentration of CO2, net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of B. oleracea plant, while rock powder limits these characteristics.  Intermediate doses of bovine manure and RP promote higher growth and yield of B. oleracea.