Initial growth of forage cactus clones at different potassium fertilization levels

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the effect of different levels potassium fertilization on initial growth forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) clones. experiment lasted six months, arranged in a randomized block design, 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with five (0, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 kg K2O ha-1) two clones (Little Sweet Giant Sweet), four replicates. One cladode planted per pot (experimental unit) capacity 7 soil (24 17 23 cm). During experimental period, plants' structural characteristics were evaluated, such as plant height width, length, thickness, perimeter cladode, well accounting for number total cladodes, order appearance. At end experiment, biomass evaluated determine fresh matter (FM) dry (DM) yield aerial part root system. After determining DM, content tissues determined. data submitted ANOVA and, if necessary, Tukey test at 5% significance level. palm did not exert influences based variables during conduction. Potassium does influence productive N. clones' growth.