Abstract

CALDAS, G.G. et al. Morphological and chemical characterization of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia submitted to phosphorus fertilization. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2010, vol.59, n.228, pp.529-538. ISSN 1885-4494.

Morphological components and chemical composition of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth plants submitted to phosphorus fertilization and at different season were evaluated. The experiment was conducted at the Itambé Experimental Station of Pernambuco Agronomical Institute. Statistical analysis assumed a randomized block design, with split-plot treatment design composed by phosphorus levels (0, 100 and 200 kg of P₂O₅ per hectare) as main plots and evaluation season (dry and rainy) as split-plots. Experimental area was a sabiá woodlot, approximately 13 years old, measuring 0.3 ha with plant spacing of 3.0 x 3.0 m and 210 plants. Each experimental plot comprised one plant surrounded by eight competitive plants, not submitted to the treatments. Morphological evaluations were conducted at six periods, with 60 days interval, when leaves and branches up to 5 mm diameter were collected. Phosphorus effect was observed only for branch length, being 202.1, 193.6 and 173.5 cm for 0, 100 and 200 kg P₂O₅/ha, respectively. For the remaining variables, effects were only observed for evaluation period, with average values of 195.3 cm, 24.6, 8.8 mm and 3.8 for plant height, branch number and diameter, and thorn number, respectively. Interaction between evaluation period and phosphorus fertilization was observed only for NDF of branches, and both period and phosphorus fertilization on tannin content of branches.

Keywords : Thorn; Height; Legume; Tannin; Seasonality.

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