Dynamics, Requirements, and Use Efficiency of Magnesium Throughout the Life Cycle of Acai Palm Plants

Abstract

The cultivation of acai palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is widely practiced in the Amazon region due to its economic and nutritional value. However, to ensure sustainable and productive cultivation, it is essential to understand the factors influencing its nutrition, including the availability of magnesium (Mg). In this context, this study aimed to investigate the impact of acai palm plant age on total and effective Mg requirements, as well as on the accumulation, use, and dynamics of this nutrient. The experiment was conducted in a commercial acai palm cultivation area in Tomé-Açu, Pará, Brazil. The experimental design used was in strips, with six treatments corresponding to different crop ages (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 years), with four replications. The results demonstrated that the Mg accumulation in different parts of acai palm plants increased with plant age up to a certain point, showing a tendency to stabilize at more advanced ages. Furthermore, variations were observed in the rates of immobilization, recycling, and export of Mg throughout the plant ages, with greater immobilization at the expense of recycling and export. Total and effective Mg requirements also increased with the advancement of plant age. In conclusion, the age of acai palm plants influences both total and effective Mg requirements, as well as the processes of nutrient use. This information is relevant for appropriate nutritional management of acai palms, aiming to ensure an adequate supply of Mg throughout the plant’s life cycle and maximize its growth and yield.