Growth of Moringa oleifera Lam. in homogeneous plantations with different fertilizations in the Northeast Region

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. has great economic importance due to its multiple potential uses. It still stands out for its soil and climate adaptation in semi-arid regions, being proposed as an alternative for sustainable development in the Brazilian Northeast. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the growth of the species, at 36 months age, in homogeneous plantations with different fertilizations, in an area with low natural fertility soil in the municipality of Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. Four treatments were evaluated: (T1) only mineral fertilizer (131 kg ha^-1 of triple superphosphate); (T2) mineral fertilizer (131 kg ha^-1 of triple superphosphate) + organic compound (7 kg ha^-1); (T3) mineral fertilizer (131 kg ha^-1 of triple superphosphate) + biochar (3 kg ha^-1); and (T0) control (without fertilization). Data collection was based on measuring the circumferences at the base and at the chest height, and the height of the plants. The survival of the species was assessed and the biomass volumes per unit area were estimated. The fertilized treatments showed greater survival, growth and productivity compared to the control. The treatment with organic compound showed better growth results, with an average diameter at the base (DB) of 16.2 cm; average diameter at breast height (DBH) of 7.9 cm; average height of 5.87 m; productivity of 72.5069 m³ ha^-1; and average annual increase (IMA) of 24.16 m³ ha^-1 year^-1. The results highlight the importance of fertilization for better silvicultural performance of the species.