Chemical composition of cactus pear cladodes under different fertilization and harvesting managements

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of combined phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization and of harvesting frequency on the chemical composition of 'Gigante' cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes. The experiment was carried out in two municipalities, Quixadá and Tejuçuoca, in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Fertilization with nitrogen (urea) and phosphorus (single superphosphate) was done with nine doses, respectively: 10 and 70, 70 and 10, 70 and 70, 70 and 130, 100 and 100, 130 and 70, 130 and 130, 130 and 190, and 190 and 130 kg ha-1 per year, besides 100 kg ha-1 N and P2O5 per year as the control. The harvesting frequencies evaluated were annual and biannual. A randomized complete block design was adopted, in split plot, with four replicates. The effect of fertilization on the contents of total dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, organic matter, and total carbohydrates in the cladodes varies with harvesting frequency and site. Regarding harvesting frequency, there were higher contents of organic matter, total carbohydrates, and neutral detergent fiber, but lower contents of crude protein for the biannual harvesting in both municipalities. Annual harvesting improves the nutritional quality of primary and secondary cladodes in the municipality of Quixadá and of secondary and tertiary cladodes in Tejuçuoca.

Effect of post-harvest storage on chemical composition and deterioration of cactus cladodes [Opuntia fícus-indica (L.) Mill and Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck]

“…Pessoa et al (2020) observed cactus NDF (268 g kg -1 DM) similar to the ones observed in the current research for 'IPA-20'. In contrast, Gomes et al (2018) observed average values of 294 g NDF/kg DM for Opuntia ficus-indica Mill at one year of growth. Regardless of cactus species, first-order cladodes presented greater NDF values.…”

Management Practices Affect Soil Organic Carbon Stocks and Soil Fertility in Cactus Orchards

“…Less frequent harvesting of forage cactus leads to greater biomass productivity [18], and, consequently, the extraction of nutrients from the soil tends to be higher. Greater biomass productivity with less frequent harvests contribute to the development of plants that are taller and wider, with greater quantity, length, width, and thickness of cladodes, characteristics that reflect higher yields and changes in the chemical composition of forage cactus [47]. Cactus typically has a higher cladode area index (CAI) with biennial frequency when compared to plants harvested annually, and that helps to improve primary productivity [48].…”

Morphophysiology of tropical grasses under different water supply in two growing seasons: II. BRS Massai and BRS Tamani grasses

“…Semiarid regions, high evapotranspiration is a limiting factor for plant biomass production (Gomes et al, 2018). Even with water for irrigation, the use of more adapted genotypes is an indispensable condition for the best use of this resource, so that the use of a minimum irrigation depth to maintain the forage crop may be a relevant alternative in view of a possible water limitation due to climatic factors.…”