Abstract

ELIZONDO-SALAZAR, J. A. Response of mulberry (Morus alba) to increasing rates of organic nitrogen. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2010, vol.33, n.3, pp. 0-0. ISSN 0864-0394.

A trial was conducted at the Experimental Station "Alfredo Volio Mata" of the University of Costa Rica, in order to evaluate the application of increasing nitrogen rates (from an organic fertilizer) on the biomass production and crude protein of mulberry. The experimental period was 12 months. A mulberry plantation with 12 years of establishment, planted with spacing of 0,9 x 0,40 m (27 777 plants/ha), was used. The design consisted in completely randomized blocks with four treatments: 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg N/ha/year. The plants were pruned at 0,6 m above the soil level at the beginning of the trial and then every 90 days. The organic manure was applied in two equal dosages during the rainy season. The leaves and stems were separated and analyzed to determine the dry matter and crude protein content. No significant differences were found in the DM content or DM yield among treatments. Similar performance was found in the crude protein content of the whole plant and the stem; however, the CP content was higher with the highest nitrogen application, which significantly differed (p<0,05). It is concluded that the applied organic nitrogen rates neither showed remarkable responses in total biomass production, nor important alterations were observed in the structural proportions of the plants manifesting a change in the yield of leaves and stems.

Keywords : Organic fertilizers.

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