Coppicing is a common technique used in eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. However, a productivity reduction from the first to the second rotation has frequently been observed, with deficiency of mineral nutrients being a possible reason for this decrease. This study evaluates the residual effect of K, applied at planting time, on yield and nutritional status of Eucalyptus grandis stands regenerated by coppicing. The trial was carried out on a Red Yellow Latosol, in the cerrado region of Minas Gerais Brazil in 1981. Five rates of K (0; 30; 60; 120, and 240 kg/ha K2O) were broadcast applied and incorporated into the soil prior to seedling planting. Report results, corresponding to the second rotation, are presented in this paper. Assessments were conducted 80 months after harvesting. Potassium applied at the beginning of the first rotation increased stem volume and biomass of the second rotation (coppices), with the highest difference (54%) observed between control and the rate of 240 kg/ha K2O. Similarly, the amount of K in the fertilized trees was around 69% higher than those of the control plot. In spite of that, yield of the second rotation was about 52% lower than in the first rotation. This reduction in productivity was attributed to the decrease of K in the site as well as of other nutrients such as P, Ca and Mg, as indicated by the ratio between yield and nutrient amount in the trees.
Coppicing; second rotation; Eucalyptus grandis; nutritional efficiency
