Phosphate and potash fertilization on growth and nutrition of Crotalaria juncea L.

The experiment was carried under greenhouse conditions with the objective of evaluating P and K effects on plant height, dry matter production and nutrition of crotalaria in an eutrophic Red - Yellow Argisol (alfisol), under cerrado vegetation. The experimental design was a randomized blocks in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme, with three replications. The treatments involved four phosphorus levels (0, 25, 50, and 75 kg/ha of P2O5) and four potassium levels (0, 25, 50, and 75 kg/ha of K2O). At sixty days, after sowing and before flowering period, plants were harvested. Shoots macro and micronutrient concentrations were determined by chemical analysis. Application of 75 kg ha(-1) P2O5 and K2O promoted the best reults in plant height and dry matter production of crotalaria. Highest P and Ca concentrations were observed by applying 75 kg ha(-1) of P2O5 and the highest K concentration was verified when 75 kg ha(-1) of K2O were applied.