COMPOSIÇÃO NUTRICIONAL FOLIAR DA GÉRBERA IRRIGADA COM EFLUENTE DOMÉSTICO TRATADO

Abstract

To evaluate the nutrient content of leaves of gerbera fertigated with treated domestic effluents with and without mineral supplementation, a study was carried out in a greenhouse located at the Embrapa Meio-Norte in Teresina, Brazil from July to October 2007. The treatments studied were: T1 - 100% water and nutritional needs furnished with fertigation (N e K2 O); T2 - 25% volume of water through fertigation and 75% treated wastewater effluents (TWE); T3 - 50% volume of water through fertigation and 50% TWE; T4 - 75% volume of water with fertigation and 25% TWE; and T5 - volume of water 100% supplied through TWE. The leaf growth and plant development were favored by the application of 50% fertigation and 50% TWE (T3). At the end of experiment two adult leaves were collected in each treatment and content of nutrients was determined. Soil samples were also collected for analysis to verify alterations in physical and chemical properties. The soil irrigated with 100% wastewater effluent showed high concentrations of P, organic matter and low concentration of Na and K, but these changes did not cause any alteration in nutritional status of leaves and quality of gerberas flowers.