Development of Swietenia macrophylla seedlings in response to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium

Abstract

A Greenhouse experiment was developed in order to investigate effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the growth of mahogany seedlings (Swietenia macrophylla King). The plants were cultured in clayey dystrophic Red Latosol containing six nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100, 125, 150 and 200 kg N ha^-1), six phosphorus levels (0, 75, 150, 225, 300 and 400 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1) and six potassium levels (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg K ha^-1). After 100 days of transplanting, the plants were harvest and processed for determine height, diameter, dry weight and nutrient concentration in roots and shoots. Addition of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium did not affect the mahogany seedlings development. In contrast to N and P, the yield of plants was slightly greater with K fertilization. In general, results of this study clearly demonstrate the absence of a beneficial effect of these nutrients on the growth of mahogany seedlings. The nitrogen and phosphorus did not improve the quality of mahogany seedlings.