INITIAL GROWTH OF “ERVA-MATE” (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) SEEDLINGS IN THREE SOIL TYPES IN CENTRAL REGION OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL STATE

Abstract

The experiments were installed in three sites with different soil classes but with similar climatic conditions using different fertilization treatment to study initial plant growth of "Erva-mate". The sites were located on an Entisol and two Alfisols and plantation was perfomed using organic compost, no fertilizer, one half and full dosage of N-P-K recommended.  The initial growth was evaluated measuring absolute increment in plant height, total plant leaf area and plant leaf number at four times during the first year.  The experiments were installed in September of 1998 and in February 1, 1999 plant survival was measured. Chemical fertilization reduced the final survival, whereas, the use of 1 kg of organic compost and no-fertilization at planting induced higher plant stand and initial growth as measured by absolute increment in total plant leaf area and height. There was a significant effect of soil type, where, the higher increment in total leaf area and leaf number was observed at the site with shallow and naturally most fertile soil, the Entisol.