Chicken Manure in the Initial Growth and Physiology of Amburana acreana Seedlings

Objective: To analyse the initial growth and physiological characteristics of Amburana acreana seedlings, produced in substrates formulated with different proportions between soil and chicken manure. Theoretical Framework: Based on scientific articles found on search engines and books in the field of physiology and forestry. This is to support the explanation of how the physiological characteristics of the seedlings were influenced by the type of substrate and how they may have contributed to the morphological characteristics of these plants. Method: The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse for 90 days. During this period, the seedlings were subjected to proportions of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% chicken manure. At the end, they were evaluated regarding growth in height, diameter, dry mass production, height/diameter ratio, dry mass ratio, Dickson quality index, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentration, and intrinsic water use efficiency. Results and Conclusion: The proportion of 25% soil + 75% chicken manure provided the best conditions when analysing physiological characteristics, which resulted in greater growth and greater dry mass production of A. acreana seedlings. Implications of the Research: These results allow us to verify that, for seedlings to grow in soil containing bird manure, firstly, improvements occur in the physiological conditions of the plants, which are reflected in faster growth. Therefore, there is a need to study the type of manure and the dose that is applied, before recommending a type of substrate. Originality/value: Use of organic waste for seedlings production, which is an environmentally correct destination.