Soil and foliar nickel application in coffee seedlings alters leaf nutrient balance

Author(s)

Macedo, L. O. ; Favarin, J. L. ; Tezotto, T. ; Neto, A. P. ; Andrade, S. A. L. ; Mazzafera, P.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: AGROCHIMICA; v. 64, n. 2, p. 14-pg., 2020-04-01.

Abstract

Nickel (Ni) is a micro-nutrient demanded in very low amounts by plants and poorly studied in coffee. Coffee seedlings received Ni via soil and foliar spray, and were evaluated for growth, biochemical parameters and nutrient contents in stems and roots both in leaves developed before and after Ni application. Both forms of Ni application caused several changes in the nutrient contents in pre-existing and new developed leaves. Ni recovery efficiency (RENi = total plant Ni/applied Ni) was higher with foliar application. Foliar urease increased with both forms of Ni application. Growth parameters did not change but Ni increased dry mass and specific mass of new leaves in both application forms. It is concluded that foliar application is the best way to supply Ni to coffee plants and it is recommended that further experiments under field conditions are carried out to establish the benefits of Ni on coffee productivity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/01607-3 - Nickel nutrition in coffee plant and relationship with nitrogen metabolism and senescence process
• Grantee: José Laércio Favarin
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants