Production of cassava seedlings on substrates based on decomposed buriti stem

Abstract

In the cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivation system, planting seedlings directly in the field is widely used. However, establishment of plants by this method is slow, taking about 15 days to start the formation of shoots and roots. The plant in this phase is not very competitive, which leads to the formation of uneven and low-productivity areas. Production of seedlings on substrates is an alternative that can improve the uniformity of the plant stand, as well as allow more careful selection of the best propagules. Viability of this propagation method depends on the substrate, which must have ideal physical and chemical properties to meet the needs of the crop. The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of decomposed buriti stem (Mauritia flexuosa L. f) as a substrate in the propagation of cassava seedlings. The substrates were composed of decomposed buriti stems and soil in the following proportions: 0:100; 20:80; 40:60; 60:40; 80:20; and 100:0 (volume). The addition of decomposed buriti stem improved development of the aerial part, provided greater survival for cassava seedlings in an increasing linear fashion, and promoted increases in the levels of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg of cassava seedlings. It was determined that there is agronomic efficiency in the use of buriti residue for the production of cassava seedlings.