Dry matter production and nutrient accumulation in Crotalaria spectabilis shoots

Abstract

Among Crotalaria L. species, Crotalaria spectabilis stands out for its good adaptation to various production systems in the Brazilian cerrado, high nutrient cycling, reduction of weeds incidence, and antagonistic action on the nematode population. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize dry matter production and macronutrient accumulation in plant shoots at different growth and development stages. The experimental design consisted of random blocks, with 12 cutting times and 5 repetitions. At each collection, the plants were divided into leaves, stems + branches, pods, and seeds, for macronutrient level determination. The stem + branches are the primary drain on nutrients during the formation of reproductive structures. Macronutrient concentration in the shoots exhibited the following order: K > N>Ca > P>Mg > S and the order of nutrient export in seeds was N > K>P > Ca > S>Mg. Cutting aimed at nutrient supply to the soil should be conducted before pod formation, and at the end of the cycle for biomass production.

Keywords:

• green manure
• nutrient cycling
• nutrient uptake rate

Additional information

Funding

The authors thank the Mato Grosso do Sul Foundation for Teaching, Science and Technology Development (FUNDECT) and the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) for financial assistance and dissemination of this study.