Elementos prioritarios en la nutrición mineral de Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de wit en un suelo ácido de Costa Rica

Abstract

The response of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de Wit cv. Peri to different nutrients in an acid soil of Costa Rica was evaluated in a glasshouse experiment, using the missing or additive element technique. Fourteen treatments were studied: Complete, +8, +K, +Mg, -P, +Fe, +N, -S, -Zn, -Lime, +Ca, +Mo and Control. No significant differences were detected due to the addition of those elements which were considered at an adequate level in the soil. P and S deficiencies determined through the laboratory analysis were confirmed by the experimental results, whereas Zn deficiency was not confirmed. Absence of lime resulted in a lower growth, although not significantly. The addition of Mn produced toxicity symptoms which were confirmed by leaf analysis (1400 ppm). No significant response was detected as a result of specific inoculation.