Fertilização potássica na implantação de Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S. Jonhson

Abstract

Potassium fertilization can generate increases in tree growth and maximize forest productivity. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of application of potassium doses on the growth and wood biomass production of Corymbia citriodora. Doses of 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg ha-1 K2O were applied in Ultisol, sandy texture. The potassium doses were split in equal amounts at planting, at 6 and 9 months. Seedlings were planted at 3 x 2 m spacing and the experimental design was a randomized block design with six treatments and four replications. Evaluations were made in height and stem diameter at 06, 09, 12 and 24 months after planting. Also, at 12 months, the basic density of wood, the wood volume per hectare, and wood biomass production per hectare were determined. Until age 12 months, growth and biomass production of C. citriodora increased by potassium fertilization; the application of de 62 kg ha-1 de K2O promoted greatest growth in diameter and 85 kg ha-1 de K2O promoted greatest production of wood biomass. At 24 months there was no response to potassium fertilization, suggesting greater demand of the nutrient at the early stages of growth.