Adubação orgânica no crescimento de plantas, produção de frutos e sistema radicular de Moringa oleifera Lam.

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. Has been widely studied for its diverse applications and benefits. Resistant to drought, this plant has been satisfactorily adapted to the edafoclimatic conditions of the Brazilian Northeast. Information on the nutritional requirements of this plant is relevant in view of the high development potential in the semiarid region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic fertilization on plant growth, fruit production and moringa root system. The experiment was conducted in the Forage Sector, in an experimental area of the State University of Paraíba / UEPB / Campus IV - Cashew, located in the municipality of Catolé do Rocha / Paraíba. For the growth and fruit production evaluations, the experimental design used was randomized blocks, with five treatments, corresponding to the doses of bovine manure (0.0 g, 300 g, 600 g, 900 g and 1200 g), with four replications. The experimental plot consisted of 12 moringa plants with 3.0 m x 3.0 m spacing, with only eight central plants being evaluated. A randomized block design in a 5x2 factorial arrangement was used for the study of the root system, corresponding to five doses of bovine manure (0.0g, 300g, 600g, 900g and 1200g) and two depths (0-10 cm ; 10-20 cm) in four replicates. The experimental plot consists of 04 central plants. The variables height and diameter and fruit yield of the moringa plants were not significantly affected by the different doses of bovine manure used. The moringa plants developed satisfactorily in the semi-arid conditions of Catolé do Rocha-PB. The doses of bovine manure did not influence the length and density of moringa roots. The organic fertilization for the moringa crop must be carried out in the superficial layer of the soil, up to 10.0 cm deep.