Seedling quality of Cordia trichotoma under different container volumes and fertilizers.

Abstract

The success of forest plantations depends on the quality of seedlings, which can be ensured through nursery techniques. This study aimed to assess the growth of Cordia trichotoma seedlings in two container volumes combined with four fertilizer compositions. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with four replications: two container volumes (170 and 270 cm3) and four fertilizer compositions (Basacote® [NPK 15-8-12]; Basacote® + Phusion® [NPK 9-40-00]; Polyblen® [NPK 20-5-20]; and Polyblen® + Phusion®). Tube volume significantly influenced shoot height, root length, shoot, root, and total dry mass, with 270 cm3 tube presenting higher means (21.26 cm; 19.06 cm; 1.79 g; 3.60 g and 5.39 g, respectively), except for root regeneration potential. The factors tube volume and fertilizer had isolated effects on stem collar diameter and the Dickson Quality Index, with heist means the 270 cm3 tube (5.0 mm and 1.11, respectively) and the Basacote® fertilizer (4.77 mm and 0.99, respectively). Interaction between factors was observed in the shoot height/stem collar diameter ratio, dry mass of shoot/root dry mass ratio, and lignification index. Using 270 cm3 containers and Basacote® fertilizer resulted in better development of C. trichotoma seedlings.