Crescimento inicial de Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringa) em plantios homogêneos com diferentes adubações

Abstract

Moringa oleifera (Lam.) has been cultivated in several countries due to its potential for multiple use. It is a tree of great economic potential with various applications in industry, medicine, and is also used as a forage. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the growth of moringa in homogeneous three-year-old plantations, established in spacing of 3 mx 3 m, submitted to different fertilizers, located in Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. Four treatments were evaluated: (1) Mineral Fertilization (131 kg/ha of Triple Superphosphate), (2) Organic Compound + Mineral Fertilization (7 t/ha of organic compound + 131 kg/ha of Triple Superphosphate), (3) Biochar + Mineral Fertilization (3 t/ha + 131 kg/ha of Triple Superphosphate) and (4) control (without fertilization). Data collection comprised the measurement of the circumferences (on the basis of chest height) and the total height of all trees. The survival of the species was evaluated as a percentage and the cylindrical volumes per unit area were estimated. Fertilized treatments showed higher survival, growth and yield compared to control (without fertilization). Among the evaluated treatments, the fertilizer with organic compost presented the best growth results (average DB 16.2 cm; average DBH 7.9 cm and average height 5.87 m) and yield (cylindrical volume 72.5069 m³/ha and IMA of 24.16 m³/ha.year).