Peat is a growth and tolerance inducer of Erythrina crista-galli in soil contaminated with zinc

Abstract

The quantity of soil contaminated with zinc (Zn) is increasing and management practices should be implemented to minimize its toxic effect. The objective of this work was to determine the influence of peat on the growth and tolerance of Erythrina crista-galli L. to soil contaminated with Zn. The study was conducted in a greenhouse for 120 days, using a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement (2 x 6): soil (with and without peat) and six doses of Zn (0, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 mg kg^-1). We evaluated the seedling height, stem diameter, root and shoot dry weight matter the levels and the cumulative amount of Zn in the root system and aerial part, Dickson quality index, tolerance index and translocation index. The results showed that zinc reduces the morphological parameters of E. crista-galli.Erythrina crista-galli had more translocation of Zn with 200 mL of soil L^-1 peat, but has moderate tolerance to Zn.