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Eucalypt plantations in Brazil have the highest mean productivity when compared to other producing countries, and fertilizer application is one of the main factors responsible for these productivities. Our aim was to identify appropriate rates of N, P and K in eucalypt plantations and their interactions with edaphoclimatic factors. Four trials with four rates and three nutrients (N, P and K) were set up. Each nutrient was studied separately, and the trees received sufficient rates of all of the other nutrients through fertilization, to avoid limitations not related to the desired nutrient. We assessed solid wood volume (SV), productivity gains (PG), leaf nutrient content and leaf area index (LAI) to determine the responses to fertilization. PG, regarding N, rates ranged from 104% to 127% at 60 months after planting. P fertilizer application led to gains in productivity in soils with levels of P-resin up to 5 mg¨kg´1mg¨kgmg¨kg´1 , but decreased with stand age. K fertilizer application responses increased within age in three sites. In Paulistania, responses to K application were close to zero. N and K responses were climate related. Leaf nutrient content and LAI were not able to predict the highest yields obtained.

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À minha mãe, Roseli, pelo carinho, dedicação e amor com os quais nunca cessou de nos ensinar. Ao meu irmão Marcel, por me acompanhar por tantos anos, sempre demonstrando seu afeto. À minha futura esposa, Thais, por me acompanhar e compartilhar meus momentos de alegria e aflições, sempre me incentivando e apoiando. Já não consigo me definir sem pensar em você, somos um. Aos meus familiares, Djailson, Vó Maria, Tia Áurea, Tia Rosane, Tio Alexandre, Luís Fernando, Patrícia e José Roberto pela união e dedicação mútua, vocês são meu bom exemplo de família. Aos meus sogros, Salete e José Córdova por me receberem como filho em sua casa.