Seaweeds as biostimulants for the initial growth of Caatinga tree species
Biofertilizer; Caesalpinia ferrea.; Poincianella pyramidalis.
Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of applying algae to plants, including improved germination and plant establishment. Despite some examples of commercial use, almost all of the algae biomass is not explored by population. Considering its high nutritional value, there is a great potential for the commercial use. Therefore, in order to contribute to the development technologies for use of algae in the production of seedlings for reforestation and sustainable exploitation, we analyzed the effects of algae collected in the coast of the Rio Grande do Norte in the initial growth of native species of Caatinga. Different concentrations (0, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 g kg-1) of seaweed powder (SP) were tested with a prepared substrate containing clay, bovine manure and sand in Caesalpinia ferrea Mart species. Ex Tul and Poincianella pyramidalis Tul. The most significant results were the stimulation in the absolute growth rate at higher doses for P. pyramidalis and intermediates for C. ferrea at 60 days after sowing (DAS). At 120 DAS, we observed a slight stimulus in the increase of biomass of the roots and diameter of the stem in C. ferrea in relation to the increasing doses of SP. In this species there was also an increase in the concentration of chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids. The increase in the concentration of pigments in relation to SP doses also occurred in P. pyramidalis.