Synergic Effect of Mucuna pruriens var. Utilis (Fabaceae) and Pontoscolex corethrurus (Oligochaeta, Glossoscolecidae) on the Growth of Quercus insignis (Fagaceae) Seedlings, a Native Species of the Mexican Cloud Forest

Abstract

Propagation of native species in local nurseries is an important activity in reforestation and forest restoration programs. A requisite for successful plantation is that nursery produced plants are of a size and quality that allows optimal establishment under field conditions. Manipulation of edaphic processes through the combined use of the earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus, Mucuna pruriens and inorganic fertilizers may promote faster biomass gain. This study assessed the activity of P. corethrurus, its association with M. pruriens (green manure) and inorganic fertilizers, on the growth of Quercus insignis seedlings under greenhouse conditions. Measured variables were basal diameter, height, biomass and foliar nitrogen content. Growth rates of basal diameter (F = 5.33; P < 0.0001) and height (F = 2.84; P < 0.0087) were significantly greater in the treatment of P. corethrurus-M. pruriens-inorganic fertilizer, relative to the control. Also, leaf biomass and total biomass of the seedlings were greater in the treatment of P. corethrurus-fertilizer (F = 2.32; P < 0.0290, F = 3.71; P < 0.0011, respectively) compared to the control treatment. Foliar nitrogen content

Keywords

Nursery; Oak Seedlings; Earthworms; Green Manure; Inorganic Fertilizers; Plant Propagation

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Avendaño-Yáñez, M. , Ortiz-Ceballos, Á. , Sánchez-Velásquez, L. , Pineda-López, M. & Meave, J. (2014). Synergic Effect of Mucuna pruriens var. Utilis (Fabaceae) and Pontoscolex corethrurus (Oligochaeta, Glossoscolecidae) on the Growth of Quercus insignis (Fagaceae) Seedlings, a Native Species of the Mexican Cloud Forest. Open Journal of Forestry, 4, 1-7. doi: 10.4236/ojf.2014.41001.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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