Lime and Nutrients Effects on Jatropha curcas Cultivated on an Amazonian Soil

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the effects of macronutrient and micronutrient omission, and of liming, on Jatropha curcas (JC) in greenhouse study. The experimental design was a factorial combination of 2 liming treatments (nil or 4.5 t. ha⁻¹ of dolomitic lime) x 7 combinations of fertility status, with five replications. The concentrations and uptake of nutrients by JC plants follow the order: nitrogen > potassium > calcium ≥ Magnesium > sulfur > phosphorus > iron > boron > manganese > zinc > copper (N > K > Ca ≥ Mg > S > P > Fe > B > Mn > Zn > Cu), but the growth of JC plants was negatively affected mainly by omission of macronutrients, in the following order: P > N = K = S, on limed soil. Phosphorus is the most critical element for development. JC is responsive to micronutrients only when applied together with macronutrients. Potassium chloride is not recommended as K⁺ source for JC crop. Lime is recommended to improve growth and nutritional status of JC plants.

KEYWORDS:

• Acidic soils
• biodiesel crop
• early growth
• macronutrients
• micronutrients
• physic nut

Funding

To Amazonas Research Foundation (FAPEAM) for the support awarded to the third author.

Additional information

Funding

To Amazonas Research Foundation (FAPEAM) for the support awarded to the third author.