Potassium and sodium mineral composition and growth in Zingiber spectabile plant

Abstract

For tropical ornamental plants there is no information in the literature regarding the interaction of sodium (Na) with other nutrients, especially potassium (K). Given the above, the objective of this study was to evaluate the symptoms of nutritional deficiencies, growth and mineral composition of plants Zingiber spectabile subjected to K relations: In in nutrient solution. Treatments with different relationships K: Na (mmol L-1) were: 6K:0Na, 5K:1Na, 4K:2Na, 3K:3Na, 2K:4Na, 1K:5Na and 0K:6Na. We used the experimental randomized block design with four replications, and the experimental plot was composed of one plant per pot. After 180 days, the plants were harvested, and the biometric indexes and dry weight of different parts of the plants evaluated, and thereafter performed chemical analysis of the plant tissues. Sodium proved beneficial element for the initial growth of Zingiber spectabile. Sodium from 2 mmol L-1 can partly replace potassium in the initial culture of Zingiber spectabile in nutrient solution.