Controlled release fertilizer used for the growth of Campomanesia aurea seedlings

Abstract

Abstract Campomanesia aurea is a sub-shrub species native to the Pampa Biome, popularly known as “guabirobinha-do-campo”. It has an ornamental potential for use in pots or gardens due to its small size, irregular shape, intense flowering and aroma. One of the main factors for production is an adequate use of fertilizers and balanced fertilizations. The objective was to evaluate the growth of seedlings and nutrient leaf accumulation of C. aurea submitted to doses of controlled release fertilizer (CRF). C. aurea seedlings were transplanted to containers containing composted pinus bark and CRF doses of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 g L−1. Height, chlorophyll index, number of stems, base diameter, leaf area, Dickson Quality Index, shoot dry matter, root dry matter and nutrient leaf accumulation were evaluated. For height, base diameter and number of stems, the point of maximum response was at the concentration 6.8, 6.6 and 6.9 g L−1 CRF, respectively. For shoot dry matter, leaf area and chlorophyll, we verified increase up to the concentration 8.1, 7.8 and 8.0 g L−1, respectively. There was a positive quadratic behavior for most nutrients, with the exception of Cu and Mn, which linearly increased with the increase of fertilizer dose. The application of CRF on C. aurea seedlings between 7 and 8 g L−1 substrate promoted an increase on the main growth characteristics of ornamental importance and provides superior results on nutrient leaf content.