Mineral nutrients and growth of fertilized Eucalyptus grandis in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship between nutrients concentration in the leaves and soil, as well as tree growth in Eucalyptus grandis plantations. The survey was carried out in five locations in the Cerrado region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. It was concluded that the trees were adequately nourished with S, Fe, Mn and Zn; P concentrations in the leaves were below the optimum reported in literature; K and Mg were the nutrients that most seriously limited tree growth, in all locations despite fertilization; concentrations of 2.6 and 7.5 mg/g D.M. of Mg and K were adequate levels for both nutrients; fertilization with N, P, K and Mg can increase the growth of the trees in all locations; Ca and B concentrations in the leaves were not related to the growth of the trees, showing a dilution effect.