Morphophysiological Aspects in African Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) Seedlings Under Bovine Manure Doses

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the morphophysiological characteristics of Khaya senegalensis seedlings, after being grown in substrates with bovine manure. Theoretical framework: Based on scientific articles found on search engines and books in the field of physiology and forestry. This were the research used to support the explanation of how the physiological characteristics of the seedlings were influenced by the type of substrate and how they may have contributed to the morphological characteristics of these plants. Method: The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse for 90 days. During this period, the seedlings were subjected to doses of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 grams of bovine manure. At the end, the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, transpiration rate, vapor pressure deficit, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentration were evaluated. Then, height, diameter and biomass measurements were taken. Results and conclusion: The dose of 25 grams of bovine manure provided the best conditions when analysing the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, vapor pressure deficit and transpiration rate. This resulted in greater growth in height and diameter, and greater production of aerial and root dry mass of K. senegalensis seedlings. Implications of the research: These results allow us to verify that, for seedlings to grow in a substrate containing bovine manure, first, improvements occur in the physiological conditions of the plants, which are reflected in faster growth. Therefore, there is a need to study the type of manure and the dose applied, before recommending a type of substrate. Originality/value: Use of organic waste for the seedlings production, which is an environmentally correct destination.