Rubber tree development on soils of the state of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Measurements of trunk perimeter were taken, at 1.2 meters high, on plant populations of Hevea braslilensis growing at different soil units on the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The first measurement was taken in 1972 when the plantations were about eleven years old, and the second in 1984. Plants cultivated on Dusky Red Latosol on the inland plateau showed the best development in contrast to those growing on soils of the rainy Atlantic coastal region which were the least developed. Plants growing on Podzolized Soils on Calcareous Sandstones Marília and Lins variations and on Dark Red Latosol sandy phase also in the inland plateau had an intermediate development. The coastal region soils were very acid and low in P and K. On the Dark Red Latosol sandy phase, despite the low fertility, plant growth was larger than in soils of coastal region, probably because of different crop management and climate. Leaf analysis in 1984 indicated low N and P concentrations for plants growing on most of the soils and also low K in the coast region. Apparently there were not growth limitations by micronutrient deficiency or excess.