Lime and copper plus zinc fertilization to eucalyptus: consequences for metallic micronutrient status and eucalyptus growth

Soil liming is a crucial strategy to reduce acidity and increase nutrients availability. Lime recommendation for eucalyptus aims to supply the Ca and Mg. Lime might reduce metallic micronutrients content in plants (e.g., Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn), thereby impairing the nutritional status. Copper and zinc fertilization in eucalyptus plantation is recommended to replace the amount extracted from harvesting plant products. We investigated lime and Cu plus Zn application on (a) biomass production, leaf area, and leaf pigments; and (b) Cu and Zn concentration, accumulation, and distribution in Eucalyptus grandis seedlings. The experiment was conducted with eucalyptus seedlings under Ferralsol in five randomized blocks, in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme, with three lime and four fertilizer rates of Cu and Zn. Plants grown under lime application had increased leaf area and flavonoid content. Lime and Cu plus Zn application improved dry biomass relative to plants grown unlimed and micronutrient supply. Copper plus zinc fertilization improves the nutritional status of eucalyptus, leading to enhance content of Cu, Zn, and chlorophyll, which could prove to be a crucial strategy for increased plant growth and, consequently, boosting biomass production.