The objective of this work was to verify the influence of the base saturation in the substrate on growth and seedling quality of Dalbergia nigra (Brazilian rosewood). The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized design with four replicates per treatment. Three soils were used as substrate and each one had the original saturation increased as follows: Dystrophic Latosol, 30.0, 50.0 and 70.0%; Alic Latosol, 25.0, 45.0 and 65.0%; Clay soil, 50.0, 60.0 and 70.0%. Seedling morphological parameters, their relationships and the Quality Index of Dickson were evaluated. A linear response was obtained when the different Ca:Mg ratios in lime were analyzed as a function of the dry matter of the aerial part, as well the total dry matter weight when the substrate was argisol, however, there was no significant influence of basis saturation. It can be concluded that when the original saturation in the soil is equal or above 14.0% for the Dystrophic Latosol and 4% for the Alic Latosol there is no need for liming, while in the Clay soil the best seedlings are obtained when the saturation is around 60.0%.
Base saturation; forest species; seedling quality
