Morphophysiological responses of Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne seedlings submitted to potassium fertilization

Abstract

Hymenaea stigonocarpa is anarboreal medicinal species used in the recovery of degraded areas. However, little is known about its nutritional requirements during the seedling phase, especially concerning to potassium. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate if potassium doses promote morphophysiological changes in Hymenaea stigonocarpa seedlings.A completely randomized design, consisting in six KCl doses (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg dm-3KCl) and four replications was applied. Biometric, biomass, physiological and potassium content variables were assessed. Hymenaea stigonocarpa displayed significant physiological and biometric responses to potassium fertilization, with the highest values observed at doses ranging from 150 to 200 mg dm-3 KCl. Moreover, concentration effects were noted regarding to potassium contents in seedling leaves and stems.