Growth and nutrition of Selenicereus megalanthus in Ultisol subjected to liming

Abstract

Pitaya cultivation has been boosted around the world, but soil acidity can limit its development. This study aimed to evaluate the fertility of an Ultisol subjected to liming, as well as the growth and nutrition parameters of yellow pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus) plants in the first year of cultivation. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with five treatments (0.00, 0.48, 0.96, 1.44, and 1.92 t ha-1 of limestone) and four replicates. Growth parameters such as total length, and number, diameter, and thickness of the cladodes, as well as the nutrient contents in the plants, were evaluated. The soil pH, calcium and magnesium concentrations, and base saturation increased with the limestone doses, whereas the potential acidity and exchangeable aluminum decreased. There was no difference among the treatments for the plant growth parameters and nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, copper, manganese, zinc, and boron contents. The calcium and magnesium contents in the plants increased, whereas the iron content decreased with the doses of the corrective. Liming improved the soil fertility, but did not alter the growth parameters of yellow pitaya in the first year of cultivation. The calcium and magnesium contents were higher and the iron content was lower with 1.92 t ha-1 of limestone.

KEYWORDS: Yellow pitaya, soil acidity, agricultural limestone.