Growth and accumulation of macronutrients in arugula

Abstract

In Brazil, arugula is a vegetable often consumed in salads because it provides a flavorful option when paired with blander lettuces and because it is considered rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, sulfur and iron. However, several aspects of fertilization management for this crop must be studied further. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine the growth and accumulation of macronutrients within arugula, under field conditions. The experiment was conducted in four parcels (vegetable beds) with dimensions of 5.0 x 0.2 x 1.3 m, located within an experimental area of 54 m² (6.0 x 9.0 m). The Arugula cv. Cultivated, with seedlings produced in a protected environment. Standard fertilization was performed with 160 kg ha-1 of N, 340 kg ha-1 of P2O5, 160 kg ha-1 of K2O, 20 kg ha-1 of S and 1 kg ha-1 of B. The treatments were constituted by different collection times at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days after the arugula seedlings transplanting. Between 18 and 38 days after the transplanting of the seedlings, a significant increment in the accumulation of dry matter occurred. In the period between 20 and 30 days after the transplanting, the greatest demand for most macronutrients occurred. The order of macronutrient accumulation by arugula at 42 days was as follows: K > N >Ca> P > Mg > S.