Interaction between plant age and sulfur dynamics in acai palm in agroforestry systems

Abstract

The acai palm is a plant native Amazon widely and cultivated throughout the region due to its versatile qualities and significant economic and nutritional importance. However, for acai to be cultivated sustainably and effectively, attention must be given to understanding the nutritional aspects of acai cultivation, especially sulfur (S). This study, therefore, focused on how acai age differs in sulfur dynamics, including concentration, accumulation, utilization efficiency, and patterns of immobilization, recycling, and exportation of the vital nutrient among organs at distinct growth stages. The research was conducted in a prevalent agroforestry site in Tomé-Açu, Pará, Brazil, using a split-plot experimental design. This design incorporated six age groups (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 years) with four replicates each. Findings revealed a positive quadratic relationship in S accumulation with increasing plant age. Additionally, the efficiency of S usage exhibited both linear and quadratic enhancements correlating with the age of the plants. A significant linear increase in immobilization rates was observed. The highest fruit yield of acai was obtained in the 6 th year of plant age. The highest nutritional demands of acai occurred in the initial year of cultivation, with lesser recommendations toward the end of cultivation. Therefore, the influence of acai age on the need for S is evident. This underscores the necessity for proper nutritional management of acai, aimed at providing an adequate supply of sulfur throughout the various stages of growth and development. Such management is essential not only for cost optimization but also for maximizing yield potential.