Productivity of Açai Euterpe Precatoria and Production System Management Recommendations in the South Of The Amazonas

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the productivity of the Amazon açaí Euterpe precatoria Mart in order to support recommendations for adapting management to increase productivity in the production system in southern Amazonas.   Theoretical Framework: The demand for açaí justifies its domestication to increase productivity in addition to extractive production. In this context, difficulties arise due to the lack of knowledge about managing the species, which is required along with its domestication. Thus, knowledge that supports the supply of soil and nutritional conditions is required for E. precatoria, which is still little studied in terms of management.   Method: The productivity assessment was carried out in an experiment whose ages of açaí groves planted side by side, 8, 9, 10 and 12 years old, constituted treatments. For each açaí grove age, randomized by the producer in the planning, 4 experimental plots were designed containing 3 trees spaced 3.0 m x 3.0 m, with 4 replications, totaling 16 experimental plots in randomized blocks.   Results and Discussion: The results indicate the need to manage soil fertility to increase the productivity of açaí groves, which are obtained in conditions of low soil fertility, even for the 12-year-old açaí grove, selected as the most productive.   Research Implications: This study presents practical and theoretical implications for the açaí palm in Amazonas, whose management is still in its infancy. It identifies low productivity of açaí groves and the need to insert nutrients not only through alternative practices with low economic and environmental impact.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to the basis of future studies on the agricultural management of the Amazon açaí tree as a cultivable species.