Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp as a source of nutrients in the organic production of jambu (Acmella oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen)

Abstract

The cultivation of organic products over the years has intensified bringing health benefits and adding monetary value to the crop produced. The organic compounds used in jambu cultivation have not been sufficient to meet the nutritional demands of the plant, so it is necessary to use materials to reduce this problem, such as gliricidia, rich in nitrogen and other nutrients. In view of this, the present research aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing different doses of gliricidia with organic compound and earthworm humus on jambu yield. The research was carried out at IFPA - Campus Castanhal, in the production and research sector in horticulture of the institution. The design of the experiment was randomized in a 2x4 factorial scheme, with four replications, consisting of two types of organic fertilizers, consisting of composting and worm humus and different variations of gliricidia increment. At 42 days after transplanting, fresh mass, plant height and dry mass were collected and analysis. The treatments that received 2.5 kg m^-2 of gliricidia showed the highest results regarding fresh mass, height and productivity. Gliricidia is a promising alternative for the complementation of organic fertilization, since it is rich in nutrients absorbed by the plant.