Byrsonima crassifolia seedlings growth on ground basalt rock

Abstract

Ground basalt rock may represent a labile reservoir of nutrients, providing a low-cost, nutrient-rich substrate for seedling formation and plant growth. The study aimed to evaluate the development of a native plant murici [Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) H.B.K.] seedlings using two different application rates of ground basalt rock with two particles sizes. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse, in which treatments were arranged in a random block design with five replications in a factorial scheme (2 x 5 + 1), with five doses of finely ground basaltic rock (0.42; 1.04; 2.08; 4.17 and 8.33 g kg-1), two grain sizes (G1 Ø < 0.05 and G2 Ø < 0.10 mm mesh), and a treatment with soil without rock powder addition (the control 0.0 g kg-1 of rock powder). The seedlings were cultivated in substrate incubated for 120 days with the ground basaltic rock. Six months after the seedlings were planted variables involving growth and nutrient content variables were evaluated. Grain size affected nutrient availability from finely ground rock (Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn). The growth of murici seedlings linear increase with ground basaltic rock application rates, with better results when a 0.05 mm grain size was used.

Byrsonima crassifolia L. Kunth a bio-resource with potential: Overview and opportunities

“…After germination, seedlings can grow in different substrates, allowing the selection of low-cost and accessible substrates in the propagation area. For example, greenhouse-grown seedlings showed good development in basaltic rock with a 0.05 mm grain size (Ferreira-Melo et al, 2021). The use of Canadian Sphagnum moss and vermiculite has also been evaluated (Guzmán et al, 2013).…”