Interactions between nitrogen fertilization with the growth and leaf macronutrients of citrus rootstocks

Abstract

Rootstocks of ‘Rangpur’ Lime and ‘Swingle’ Citrumelo were grown in containers with substrate in a greenhouse, aiming to evaluate the effects of N (urea) fertilization on the vegetative growth and macronutrient content of the plant tissue. The experimental design was a factorial randomized block design with four repetitions, and each experimental plot was composed of five plants. Four doses of N (0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 g.plant^-1) were evaluated and applied every week (15 applications) to both of the rootstocks. After 200 days of transplanting, the following parameters were evaluated: vegetative growth and total content of macronutrients on the dry weight of the leaves, stems, and roots. ‘Rangpur’ Lime was more vigorous that ‘Swingle’ Citrumelo. ‘Rangpur’ Lime showed the greatest accumulation of plant dry weight with 3.38 g.plant^-1 of N and a greater root dry weight with 2.03 g.plant^-1. For ‘Swingle’ Citrumelo, 2.03 g.plant^-1 of N provided a greater plant dry weight, however, nitrogen fertilization reduced the root:canopy ratio of the rootstocks. The leaf content of N and P were favored by high doses of N in the tested range. Intermediate doses favored the Ca and Mg leaf contents. The leaf K content was decreased by nitrogen fertilization.