Effects of water-soluble humic extract and biofertilizer on development of Callophyllum brasiliense seedlings

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of water-soluble humic extract (EHSA), Hortbio® biofertilizer (HORT) and both compounds combination (EHSA+HORT) on vegetative growth, nutrient absorption and chlorophyll levels in guanandi (Callophyllum brasiliense) seedlings. Isolated and combined additions of EHSA and HORT did not affect seedlings height, number of leaves, leaf and root dry matter and leaf area during early stages of seedling growth. However, HORT and EHSA+HORT treatments increased chlorophyll levels and total N content. Addition of HORT resulted in S, Zn, Mg, Mn and Cu increases in the seedlings leaves, while ESHA application increased K, Mg, S and B. P and Ca levels were not altered by the treatments, however, addition of EHSA and EHSA+HORT reduced significantly the absorption of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn.