Studying nutrient uptake and dry matter accumulation in plants as affected by crop developmental stages is essential to establish and assist strategies for crop fertilization. The aim of this study was to assess shoot dry matter and macronutrient accumulation in Guizotia abyssinica (niger) at different growth and development stages. A randomized block experimental design with five replications was used. Shoot samples of the plants were taken at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days after seedling emergence (DAE). At each sampling, plants were separated into leaves, stem + branches, flower heads, and achenes. The samples were then dried until reaching constant weight to evaluate dry matter and N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S contents. Macronutrient concentration in niger shoots showed the following order of nutrient export: N > Ca > Mg > P > K > S. Conversely, concentration in achenes at harvest followed the order N > P > Ca > Mg > S > K. Special attention must be paid to maintaining appropriate availability of N and P in initial growth stages due to the short developmental cycle and early flowering of niger. Nutrient export and harvest index are low in niger plants, resulting in a higher nutrient supply for the crop in rotation.
Guizotia abyssinica; nutrient uptake rate; biodiesel
