Manejo da irrigação e adubação via foliar na produção de couve-manteiga

Abstract

Soil water deficiency is the most limiting factor for agricultural yield and good quality products, but excess water can also be harmful. Replenishing soil water through irrigation, in the right quantity and at the right time, is crucial for the success of horticulture. Fertigation allows for balanced soil fertilization, or even in stressful situations when a rapid response from the crop is required in the event of a nutrient deficiency. In view of the above, the objective of this study was to evaluate the development of kale (Brassica oleracea) subjected to different irrigation and foliar fertilization levels. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the experimental unit of the Campus of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Alagoas, in Rio Largo, AL. The treatments consisted of five irrigation levels (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of the volume corresponding to field capacity) and two forms of foliar fertilization (Without and With). The experimental design used was completely randomized in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme. Combined, the factors resulted in 10 treatments, with four replicates, totaling 40 experimental units, consisting of one plant, totaling 40 plants. The plants were evaluated for growth, mass accumulation and production. Foliar fertilization increased plant height (14.30%), number of leaves (20.46%), leaf area (43.42%), fresh mass of the aerial part (29.63%), dry mass of the aerial part (25.09%) and dry mass of the root (32.05%). The estimated irrigation depth with greater efficiency in the growth and mass accumulation of kale varied between 75.12% and 107.05% of relative humidity at field capacity.