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Relationship between N, P, and K and the quality and stem structural characteristics of Caesalpinia echinata Lam. plants

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Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of N, P, and K on the growth of Caesalpinia echinata plants and on the anatomical and chemical characteristics of their stems. Eight-month-old plants were grown in polyethylene pots of 8 L containing soil. The pots were arranged in randomized blocks where they received N, P, and K in isolated form, and NPK combined in 10:10:10 and 04:14:08 ratios. The applications were repeated at intervals of 90 days for 450 days, between January 2008 and April 2009. The nitrogen fertilization (N) and in the form NPK 04:14:08 provided greater stem growth and leaf area, but with lower values of Dickson quality index, which suggests lower survival potential under field conditions. Fertilizations do not influence the insoluble lignin concentration and the components of cellulose and hemicelluloses of the secondary xylem of the stem. In the stem bark, however, the levels of xylose, glucose, and insoluble lignin were higher in P and K when compared to N and the NPK forms. Nevertheless, the levels of xylose and insoluble lignin in all the treatments were lower than those in the control group. Concerning anatomical characteristics, there was higher diameter of the vessel element and reduced length of its cells for the NPK combination. All the fertilizing formulas reduced fiber wall thickness of the secondary xylem compared to control. The results suggest phosphate fertilization as the most recommended for growing C. echinata plants with increased chances of survival under field conditions.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Foundation for Scientific and Technological Support of the City of Vitoria-Brazil (FACITEC-Procedure 38/2007) and the Research Support Foundation of Espírito Santo-Brazil (FAPES Process-39044823/2007).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Campus Alaor Queiroz Araújo, Vitória, 29075-910, Brazil

    Geraldo Rogério Faustini Cuzzuol, Camilla Rozindo Dias Milanez, José Manoel Lúcio Gomes & Emerson Campos Canal

  2. Department of Genetics, Luiz de Queiroz Faculty of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, 13418-900, Brazil

    Carlos Alberto Labate

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  1. Geraldo Rogério Faustini Cuzzuol
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  2. Camilla Rozindo Dias Milanez
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  3. José Manoel Lúcio Gomes
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  4. Carlos Alberto Labate
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  5. Emerson Campos Canal
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Correspondence to Geraldo Rogério Faustini Cuzzuol.

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Communicated by F. M. Cánovas.

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Cuzzuol, G.R.F., Milanez, C.R.D., Gomes, J.M.L. et al. Relationship between N, P, and K and the quality and stem structural characteristics of Caesalpinia echinata Lam. plants. Trees 27, 1477–1484 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-013-0894-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-013-0894-9

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