Morphological and Physiological Characteristics os African Mahogany (Khaya Senegalensis) Seedlings in Substrate with Poultry Manure

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate the morphophysiological characteristics of Khaya senegalensis seedlings, after being cultivated in substrates with poultry manure.   Method/design/approach: The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse for 90 days. During this period, the seedlings were subjected to doses of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 grams of poultry manure. At the end, they were evaluated for net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, transpiration rate, vapor pressure deficit, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentration. Then, measurements of height, diameter and biomass were performed.   Results and conclusion: The dose of 25 grams provided the best conditions when analysing the physiological characteristics, which resulted in greater growth and greater dry mass production of K. senegalensis seedlings.   Research implications: These results show that, for the seedlings to grow in a substrate containing poultry manure, firstly, there are improvements in the physiological conditions of the plants, which are reflected in faster growth. Therefore, there is a need to study the type of manure and the dose that is applied, before recommending a type of substrate.   Originality/value: Use of organic waste for seedlings production, which is an environmentally correct destination.