Growth, mineral composition, fruit yield, and mycorrhizal colonization of feijoa in response to lime and phosphorus application

Abstract

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of liming and phosphorus fertilization on the growth, mineral composition of the leaves, fruit yield, and mycorrhizal colonization of young feijoa (Acca sellowiana) plants. Treatments consisted of four liming levels – 0, 25, 50, and 100% of the dose required to raise the soil pH to 6.5 – and of five levels of P – 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha^‑1 P₂O₅–, placed in a randomized complete block design, in a split‑plot arrangement, with three replicates. The orchard was established in 2010 with the Helena cultivar. In 2012, 2013, and 2014, plant growth was evaluated by measuring trunk perimeter, plant height, and tree canopy width. Mineral composition of the leaves, regarding P, N, K, Ca, and Mg contents, was assessed annually. Mycorrhizal colonization was evaluated in 2012, and fruit yield was determined in 2014. No interaction was observed between the studied factors. P contents had no effect on the evaluated variables. Liming, however, increases plant growth, mycorrhizal colonization, fruit yield, and Ca and Mg leaf contents, besides reducing K leaf contents.