Nutritional diagnosis and seedling quality of <em>Psidium cattleianum</em> var. <em>cattleianum</em> Sabine in different substrates

Abstract

The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of different substrates with sewage sludge on nutrients concentration in biomass of Psidium cattleianum var. cattleianum Sabine seedlings. The treatments are different substrate compositions containing sewage sludge. After 180 days of seeding, biometric characteristics were measured: aerial part height, root system length, stem base diameter, number of leaves, fresh and dry aerial biomass, root and total biomass. Dickson's Quality Index was calculated and nutrients concentration was determined in root system, stem and leaves. It was observed that macronutrients accumulation in root followed the order: N> Ca> Mg> P> K> S; in stem: Ca> N> K> Mg> P> S and in leaves: N> Ca> K> Mg> P> S, were sulfur was less concentrated in three vegetative structures. Micronutrients accumulation in root followed the order: Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> B> Mo, and in stem and leaves: Fe> Zn> B> Mn> Cu> Mo. It is noted that in three vegetative structures, iron and zinc were more concentrated, and molybdenum less concentrated. Sewage sludge use as a substrate proved to be effective in viable seedlings production for planting in field.