Organic Fertilizer for Production of Toona ciliata Seedlings

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the effect of different sources of organic fertilizer and their most appropriate proportions to produce Toona ciliata seedlings. Broiler litter and cattle manure were used as organic fertilizer at four proportions in the substrate (0, 15, 30, and 45%). A control treatment was adopted with 6 kg controlled-release fertilizers (m-3 substrate). The following parameters were assessed: germination, seedling height, stem diameter, and shoot and root dry matter, as well as the Dickson Quality Index. Cattle manure did not provide satisfactory results, whereas the use of broiler litter in the substrate resulted in seedling development similar to that of the control treatment. In conclusion, concentrations up to 30% of broiler litter can be recommended to substrate composition, and greater proportions of this compound (>30%) preclude seed germination.

Keywords:
Australian cedar; broiler litter; cattle manure

1. INTRODUCTION

Introduction of exotic tree species in Brazil assisted with conducting the socio-economic development of the Country, especially because of their high levels of productivity. In addition to attending the demand for forest products and bringing economic returns, these plants can prevent the irrational deforestation of native forests ( Sampaio et al., 2000 ; Thomas, 2007 ).

Australian cedar (Toona ciliata M. Roem. var. australis ) is an exotic tree species belonging to the Meliaceae family that has been cultivated in Brazil for almost three decades ( Ferreira et al., 2012 ). This species has great botanical similarity with cedar and mahogany - two Brazilian native species ( Pinheiro et al., 2006 ). However, the Australian cedar has advantages over these Brazilian species, such as short production cycle and absence of attacks by Hypsipyla grandella - a pest that attacks the apical bud of the Meliaceae family ( Ferreira et al., 2012 ).

A predicting factor of forest productivity and quality is the utilization of high-quality seedlings ( Wendling et al., 2006 ). Therefore, to produce high-quality seedlings it is necessary to choose a suitable substrate, as well as adequate nutrient source and amount of fertilizer, because most of the substrates used for seedling production are poor in nutrients considered essential to plant growth ( Assenheimer, 2009 ), and because the substrates influence the germination and growth of seedlings of forest species ( Da Ros et al., 2015 ).

Among the stimulants used in seedling production, mineral controlled-release fertilizers (encapsulated, named CFR) containing water-soluble compounds (NPK and some micronutrients) are highlighted. These fertilizers are capsules involved by a semipermeable membrane that expands and contracts according to ambient temperature and humidity conditions, causing gradual and osmotic release of nutrients into the substrate ( Bennett, 1996 ). However, CFR use leads to a relatively expensive manufacturing process, which reflects on the final production cost of forest seedlings ( Rossa et al., 2011 ).

Alternative nutrient sources, such as organic fertilizers, are used in seedling production ( Giracca & Nunes, 2012 ). The organic materials most commonly used to compose substrates for forest seedling production are cattle manure, biosolids, broiler litter, and rice husk ash ( Rondon & Ramos, 2010 ).

The choice of a suitable organic material and its incorporation percentage into the substrate are important factors for the formation and patterning of seedlings ( Carvalho et al., 2004 ). Santos et al. (2010) reported that the use of organic materials, especially from waste, has constituted a viable alternative in terms of environmental preservation. This has significantly decreased the application of chemical fertilizers and minimized environmental contamination. In addition, organic materials can be easily acquired in rural properties.

Research addressing different sources and proportions of organic fertilizers in the production of Toona ciliata seedlings is still incipient, and further specific studies are required. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different sources of organic fertilizers and their most appropriate proportion in the substrate for the development of Toona ciliata seedlings.

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted in a greenhouse of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Campus Frederico Westphalen, located in the northern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. This region is 465 masl on average, at latitude 27°23’47” S and longitude 53°25’41” W.

Toona ciliata seeds were acquired from the Forestry Laboratory of the Forest Investigation Society (SIF) located in Viçosa, Minas Gerais state. First, the batch was submitted to prior analysis to eliminate any impurities. Sowing was performed in polypropylene containers (tubes) with 175 cm³ capacity, using two seeds per tube. When the seedlings presented the first pair of true leaves, they were subjected to thinning to establish only one seedling per tube. For this thinning, the aspect of plant health and vigor was considered.

The experiment was conducted under complete randomized design in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, with two sources of organic fertilizer (broiler litter and cattle manure) and four proportions of these fertilizers to the substrate (0, 15, 30, and 45%). A control treatment containing a dosage of 6 kg per cubic meter of controlled-release fertilizer (CFR) was also used, following the general recommendation for some forest species ( Moraes et al., 2003 ; Rossa et al., 2013 ). Each treatment consisted of 90 seedlings divided into five replicates. Volume-by-volume (v:v) was used to formulate the proportions.

As part of the finalization of the tanning process, the organic fertilizers remained at rest for 30 days prior to incorporation into their correct proportions to the standard substrate for growing plants. Composition was 70% commercial substrate Tecnomax^® and 30% sifted soil. Broiler litter was composed of 12 batches of chickens in confinement, i.e., the broiler litter used to develop 12 batches of chickens (N=5.8%; P=14.08%; K=20.16%), whereas cattle manure was collected from animals raised under extensive grazing that did not receive concentrated food supplements (N=0.81%; P=0.92%; K=0.37%).

The controlled-release fertilizers used as control treatment (CFR) had the following chemical composition: C=13%, P₂O₅=6%, K₂O=16%, Ca=3.5%, S=2.3%, and Mg=1% for macronutrients, and Fe=0.45%, Mn=1.4%, Cu=0.05%, Zn=0.05%, and Mo=0.02% for micronutrients.

The following variables were assessed 180 days after sowing: seedling height (H), stem diameter (SD), shoot dry matter (DMS), and root dry matter (DMR). Seedling height was measured using a graduated ruler (30 cm) as the distance from the stem to the last leaf axil. SD was measured using a digital caliper. For evaluation of DMS and DMR, plant materials from the shoots and roots were separated for subsequent drying in air circulation oven (65°C ±1°C) until g constant weight was reached. The dry biomass was weighed on an analytical balance. Based on the evaluation of the morphological variables, the Dickson Quality Index ( Dickson et al., 1960 ) was calculated by the formula $DQI=\left[DMS+DMR/\left(H/SD+DMS/DMR\right)\right]$ .

Results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the average of treatments analyzed by regression and/or the Dunnett’s test at 5% probability of error.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The ANOVA showed significant interaction (p≤0.05) between the organic fertilizer factor and the fertilizer proportions for all variables of T. ciliata seedlings. The height of T. ciliata seedlings was linearly increased with increasing of cattle manure proportions, whereas an increase in a quadratic effect to proportions was observed for broiler litter ( Figure 1 A). At 180 days, the broiler litter components generated a maximum height of 14.9 cm at the proportion of 45%, whereas the same proportion of cattle manure resulted in plant height of 7.3 cm. According to Pereira et al. (2010) , this difference, in addition to being related to the nutrient content of these two fertilizers, can be associated with with their effect on the substrate regarding microbiological processes, aeration, structure, water retention capacity, and ambient temperature control.

Figure 1
Regression equations for height (A), stem diameter - SD (B); root dry matter - DMR (C), shoot dry matter - DMS (D), germination (E), and Dickson Quality Index - DQI (F) in Toona ciliata seedlings in different proportions of broiler litter and cattle manure in the soil.

Stem diameter was linearly increased with the increase of manure proportions. However, when utilizing broiler litter, stem diameter increased in smaller proportions, reaching a maximum point with 27% fertilizer, with further reduction at the highest proportion ( Figure 1 B). Pereira et al. (2010) , studying substrate composition to produce seedlings of tamarind (Tamarindus indica ), found the maximum growth of stem diameter at 46.1% broiler litter in relation to the control substrate. Costa et al. (2011) also observed a linear growth of stem diameter with increasing proportions of cattle manure in four arrays of Corymbia citriodora. This demonstrates the higher efficiency of broiler litter to provide greater diameter growth of seedlings compared with cattle manure.

The proportions of cattle manure did not significantly influence the production of root biomass (DMR). In contrast, broiler litter promoted an increase in this variable, reaching the maximum point (6.08 g plant^-1) at the estimated proportion of 37% ( Figure 1 C). Similarly to DMR, shoot dry matter (DMS) was not affected when cattle manure used; however, there was a linear increase with increasing proportions of broiler litter ( Figure 1 D). According to Silva & Morais (2013) , cattle manure as a substrate component also was not efficient for the production of seedlings of “olho-de-cabra” (Ormosia arborea).

In consonance with Frade et al. (2011) , when studying the production of Ingazeiro (Inga edulis) seedlings, the proportion of 20% broiler litter (+60% charcoal powder + 10% clay + 10% sand) showed the highest values of DMS and DMR. This difference observed between studies for broiler litter percentages may be associated with the nutritional requirements of each species, as well as with the stabilization level and concentration of nutrients available to the plants.

The proportions of cattle manure did not influence the germination of T. ciliata seeds, reaching an average germination of 85.1%. Regarding broiler litter, an indirect relationship was observed, with increased broiler litter proportion resulting in a linear decrease in the germination capacity of seeds. At the proportion 45% broiler litter, the estimated germination was equal to 61.3%, that is, 24% smaller than that of the control treatment ( Figure 1 E). Torres et al. (2011) , in a study conducted with Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) seedlings, also found reduced germination using proportions >10% broiler litter. Possibly, the reduction in germination is associated with the stability level of broiler litter. According to the Brazilian Society of Soil Science ( SBCS, 2004 ), manure from animals fed with concentrate diets releases large amounts of chemicals. In addition, Gianello & Ernani (1983) stated that the damage caused to plants due to the use of high proportions of organic material can be associated with the presence of toxic amounts of ammonia, nitrite, and salts.

The proportions of cattle manure did not affect the Dickson Quality Index (DQI). However, for broiler litter, a positive quadratic response occurred with increased proportions. As reported by Fonseca (2000) , the DQI is identified as a good indicator of seedling quality, because its calculation considers the strength, balance and distribution of biomass. According to Gomes (2001) , a high DQI value indicates better seedling quality. In this way, the point of maximum technical efficiency for the DQI was reached at the proportion of 42% broiler litter, resulting in a 3.79 value.

For height, stem diameter, root dry matter, and DQI, the proportions of cattle manure were statistically lower than those of the control treatment. As for shoot dry matter, the proportions of 30 and 45% did not differ from those of the control treatment. With respect to germination, no statistical differences in the comparison with the control treatment were observed for all proportions of cattle manure ( Table 1 ). Jabur & Martins (2002) reported that the choice of substrate is important, because it is the place where the root system will be developed, determining the growth of the shooting part of the seedlings. Therefore, care must be taken with the choice of the substrate and its proportions to produce seedlings. In this study, the proportions of cattle manure decreasingly influenced the growth of T. ciliata seedlings. Silva & Morais (2013) also concluded that substrate containing cattle manure and soil (1:1) was inefficient to produce seedlings of “olho-de-cabra” (Ormosia arborea).

Table 1
Statistical Summary and Dunnett's Test for height (H), stem diameter (SD), shoot (DMS) and root (DMR) dry matter, germination (GER), and Dickson Quality Index (DQI) of Toona ciliata seedlings produced with 6 kg controlled-release fertilizers - 6M m-³ substrate (CRF - control) and different proportions of broiler litter and cattle manure.

Variables		H	SD	DMS	DMR	GER	DQI
		--- cm ---	--- mm ---	---- g plant-1 ----		--- % ---
F		22.31	26.97	13.22	10.81	3.74	12.47
CV (%)		19.73	15.59	30.76	24.45	13.2	21.13
Residual		2.89	0.18	5.68	2.88	14.21	0.64
LSD		2.99	0.74	4.2	2.99	6.64	1.4
CRF - control (kg m-3)	6	10.44	3.60	5.32	5.47	80.20	2.79
Cattle manure (%)	0	4.91 *	1.53*	0.61*	0.70 *	82.22 ns	0.32 *
	15	5.90 *	1.97*	0.84*	0.65 *	85.56 ns	0.34 *
	30	7.05 *	2.43*	1.58 ns	1.77 *	86.67 ns	0.86 *
	45	6.93 *	2.19*	1.66ns	1.75 *	86.11 ns	0.83 *
Broiler litter (%)	0	4.91 *	1.53*	0.61*	0.70 *	82.22 ns	0.32 *
	15	9.29 ns	3.36ns	4.58 ns	4.22 ns	80.00 ns	2.29 ns
	30	13.76 **	4.09ns	9.50 ns	6.28 ns	73.33 ns	3.23 ns
	45	14.35 **	3.65ns	10.61**	6.53 ns	57.78 *	3.08 ns

• ^*
  Significant difference and lower than the control (CRF - 6 kg controlled-release fertilizers - m^-3 substrate);
• ^**
  Significant difference and higher than the control (CRF - 6 kg controlled-release fertilizers - m^-3 substrate);
• ^ns
  not significant according to the Dunnett’s Test at 5% probability level; F - statistical F-test; CV (%) - Coefficient of Variation; LSD - Least significant difference.

With the absence of broiler litter in the substrate, all the variables were statistically lower than those of the control treatment (6 kg m^-3 controlled-release fertilizers) except for germination, which did not show statistical difference ( Table 1 ). Using 15% broiler litter in the substrate, no statistically significant difference was observed in seedling height in comparison with the control treatment. However, at the proportions of 30 and 45%, there was an increase in plant height in relation to the control treatment.

For stem diameter, root dry mass, and the Dickson Quality Index, all broiler litter proportions did not differ from the control treatment. For shoot dry matter, no statistically significant differences were observed between the 15-30% proportions and the control treatment, but the proportion of 45% was statistically higher than the control for this variable ( Table 1 ).

Results demonstrated the effective potential of adopting broiler litter in the composition of the substrate, thus favoring the early growth of seedlings similarly, or even more, than with the use mineral fertilization (6 kg m^-3 controlled-release fertilizers). Pereira et al. (2010) also reported benefits in the utilization of broiler litter in substrate for seedling production. These authors concluded that 40% broiler litter and 60% soil can promote vigorous development in height, stem diameter, and dry biomass production in Tamarind (Tamarindus indica ) seedlings. Most likely, this occurs because of the composition of nutrients; with adequate management, this organic fertilizer can partially or completely supply the necessary minerals ( Luz et al., 2009 ).

Although a reduction in the average germination of T. ciliata seeds was observed, there was no statistical difference at the proportion of 30% broiler litter. Notwithstanding, the use of 45% broiler litter provided significant reduction in germination compared with that of the control treatment ( Table 1 ). Miranda et al. (1998) , studying the development of alternative substrates, found that broiler litter is an organic compound rich in ammonia, and that its utilization should not exceed 30% of the total mixture. These results demonstrate the importance of the organic material composition used as a nutrient source to produce T. ciliata seedlings, especially regarding the establishment of appropriate percentages of this material in substrate composition in order to avoid physiological damage to plants at early stage of development in greenhouse.

4. CONCLUSION

Results of this study show that cattle manure does not provide satisfactory increment to the growth of Toona ciliata seedlings. In contrast, broiler litter considerably favored the initial growth of seedlings, with regular similarity to the results obtained with mineral fertilizer (controlled-release fertilizers).

Based on this study, proportions of up to 30% broiler litter in the composition of the substrate are recommended, and greater proportions can reduce the germination percentage of Toona ciliata seeds.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  07 Feb 2019
• Date of issue
  2019

History

• Received
  09 May 2016
• Accepted
  15 Mar 2018