Zeólitas e nitrogênio em plantas conduzidas em vaso de pitangueira e jabuticabeira

Abstract

The production of high-quality seedlings is a fundamental step for the establishment of productive orchards. However, technical information regarding strategies to improve nutrient use efficiency during the nursery stage remains limited, particularly concerning the use of mineral conditioners capable of reducing nutrient losses through leaching, especially in native fruit species. In this context, zeolites stand out due to their high cation exchange capacity and their potential for nutrient retention and gradual release. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of incorporating zeolites associated with different nitrogen doses into the substrate on the production of Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) and jaboticaba (Plinia spp.) seedlings grown in pots. The study was carried out at the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR), Dois Vizinhos Campus, Brazil. Two experiments were carried out, one with Surinam cherry seedlings and the other with jaboticaba seedlings. The treatments consisted of three zeolite rates (0, 15, and 30 g kg⁻¹ of substrate) and four nitrogen doses (0, 250, 500, and 750 mg N kg⁻¹ of soil). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement, with eight replications, considering each seedling as an experimental unit. After 12 months of cultivation, variables related to seedling growth and quality were evaluated, including plant height, shoot growth increment, number of shoots, leaf area, stem diameter, total seedling length, shoot and root dry mass, number of roots, chlorophyll content, and Dickson Quality Index. The combination of 30 g kg⁻¹ of substrate with intermediate nitrogen doses favored biomass accumulation and improved seedling quality. The incorporation of zeolite associated with nitrogen fertilization influenced the growth and quality of both jaboticaba and Surinam cherry seedlings, with the effects depending on the species and on the interaction between the evaluated factors. In jaboticaba seedlings, the association of zeolite with intermediate nitrogen doses promoted greater biomass accumulation and improved seedling quality, whereas in Surinam cherry seedlings the responses varied according to the interaction among treatments. Overall, the use of zeolite associated with nitrogen fertilization represents a promising strategy to increase nutrient use efficiency and contribute to the production of higher-quality native fruit seedlings.