Evaluation of addition of chemical and organic fertilizers to irrigation in the production of Prosopis laevigata (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) M.C. Johnst.

Aim of study: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a chemical fertilizer and two organic fertilizers on the morphometric variables of Prosopis laevigata (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) M.C. Johnst growth under greenhouse conditions. Area of study: The research was conducted in a greenhouse at the Autonomous University of Aguascalientes in Aguascalientes State, Mexico. Material and methods: Six treatments were evaluated: T1: Control (Water), T2: 19-19-19 (19% nitrogen- 19%phosphorus- 19% potassium) + M. E. (Microelements), T3: 19-19-19 + M. E. + worm leachate, T4: Worm leachate, T5: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and T6: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria + worm leachate. At the end of the evaluation period, the height and diameter of the seedlings were recorded. The aboveground dry biomass to belowground dry biomass ratio (AGDW/BGDW), robustness index, and Dickson’s quality index were determined. The cost of the different fertilization treatments was also evaluated. Main results: Seedlings in the combined treatments of chemical fertilizer and leachate presented greater height (28.00 cm) and diameter (2.81 cm). The organic fertilizer treatments presented higher robustness index values and AGDW/BGDW ratio, indicating their potential in terms of field performance. However, it should be noted that organic fertilizers are comparatively more expensive than chemical fertilizers. Research highlights: Further experimentation is required to determine the appropriate doses for quality seedlings using organic fertilizers. Producers should create their own organic fertilizers to minimize costs.