Initial growth of forage cactus clones at different potassium fertilization levels

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the effect of different levels of potassium fertilization on the initial growth of forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) clones. The experiment lasted six months, arranged in a randomized block design, in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with five levels of potassium fertilization (0, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 kg of K₂O ha^-1) and two forage cactus clones (Little Sweet and Giant Sweet), with four replicates. One cladode was planted per pot (experimental unit) with a capacity of 7 kg of soil (24 x 17 x 23 cm). During the experimental period, the plants' structural characteristics were evaluated, such as plant height and width, length, width, thickness, and perimeter of the cladode, as well as accounting for the number of total cladodes, and in order of appearance. At the end of the experiment, biomass was evaluated to determine the fresh matter (FM) and dry matter (DM) yield of the aerial part and the root system. After determining the DM, the potassium content in the plant tissues was determined. The data were submitted to ANOVA and, if necessary, to the Tukey test at a 5% significance level. The potassium fertilization and the forage palm clones did not exert influences based on the variables evaluated during the experimental conduction. Potassium fertilization does not influence the structural and productive characteristics and the potassium content in the N. cochenillifera clones' initial growth.

Keywords:
Nopalea cochenillifera ; potassium; semiarid