Evaluation of the development of the agroforestry system Genipa americana L / Heliconia stricta Huber, its effects on soil

Abstract

Abstract

Objective:  To evaluate the plant development of Genipa americana L. and Heliconia stricta Huber associated as an agroforestry system, and their effects on soil fertility.

Design/methodology/approach: A completely randomized experimental design with three replications per treatment was used. Genipa plantations were established in july 2019 and Heliconias in september 2020. Soil samples and analyzes were carried out based on the methodologies specified in NOM-021-RECNAT-2000 (SEMARNAT, 2002). Monthly measurements of height, stem diameter, number of leaves, photosynthetic rate was made for Heliconias and Genipa, as well as number of branches and canopy cover for the latter. Means were compared by Tukey's test at a 5% confidence level.

Results: The contents of organic material (OM), Phosphorus (P) and Manganese (Mn) in the soil did present significant differences due to the effect of the treatments cultivated alone and/or associated, while the contents of Nitrógeno (N), Potasio (K), Calcio (Ca), Magnesio (Mg), Zinc (Zn) and Cobre (Cu) did not. The behavior and development of the Genipa was the same in the treatments, while the Heliconias did present variations.

Study limitations/implications: It is recommended to continue the study.

Findings/Conclusions: The treatments cultivated alone and/or associated improved the (OM) contents in the soil. The Genipa is not affected by the effect of the treatments evaluated, while the Heliconias are.