Survival and initial growth of tree species native to the Cerrado intercropped with cassava

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the survival and the initial development of six Cerrado tree species intercropped with cassava (Manihot esculenta), with or without phosphorus fertilization. The
experimental design used was a randomized complete block, in a 6x2x2 factorial arrangement, with four replicates. The variables considered were the species: Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Angico), Anacardium
occidentale (Cashew), Dipteryx alata (Baru), Hymenaea stigonocarpa (Jatoba), Hancornia speciosa (Mangaba) and Sclerolobium paniculatum var. rubiginosum (Taxi‑branco), in monoculture or intercropped with cassava, with or without phosphorus fertilization. A 3x3‑m fixed distance was used for the tree species and a 1.00x0.60 m distance for cassava. The tree species were evaluated four times in their first 20 months as to height and stem diameter at ground level. Biomass of the cassava plants were evaluated at 20 moths from planting. The average survival rates of tree species native increased from Baru (79%), Taxi‑branco (86%), Jatoba (95%), Mangaba(98%), Angico (99%), to Cashew (100%). Taxi‑branco had the highest relative growth rate for diameter and height, whereas Jatoba and Baru showed the lowest. Taxi‑branco was the only species that responded positively to phosphorus fertilization. Cassava yield was not affected by the intercropping. Cashew, Angico, and Taxi‑branco are the most suited species for intercropping with cassava in the Cerrado.