Influence of Rhizophagus intraradices (Schenck & Sm.), Chemical and Organic Fertilization on the Growth of Swietenia humilis Zuccarini in Nursery Conditions

Objective: To evaluate the growth of Swietenia humilis Zuccarini (caobilla) seedlings when grown in different substrates and biofertilized with and without Rhizophagus intraradices in combination with chemical fertilization. Design/Methodology/Approach: Caobilla seeds were collected in Huehuetán, Chiapas, and once germinated, were transplanted into plastic bags filled with a soil-based substrate supplemented with 30% cattle manure. The following treatments were established: (1) control; (2) cattle manure; (3) cattle manure + R. intraradices; (4) 100N-50P; (5) 100N-50P + R. intraradices; (6) 50N-25P + R. intraradices. Each treatment had five replicates and was arranged in a completely randomized design. Morphological variables were recorded every 28 days, and a final destructive sampling was performed at 121 days after transplanting (DAT) to determine dry biomass. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The morphological and physiological variables indicated an increase in the growth of caobilla when cattle manure was added to the substrate and plants were biofertilized with R. intraradices. Study Limitations/Implications: The plant response may vary if caobilla is biofertilized with a different species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus. Findings/Conclusions: The greatest growth in the biomass of morphological and physiological components of S. humilis Zucc. was observed in the treatment with cattle manure combined with R. intraradices. The highest chemical fertilization dose also promoted biomass accumulation, particularly at the end of the evaluation period.