Grápia (Apuleia leiocarpa (Vog.) Macbride) is a Brazilian forest species with great interest for timber-trade. Additionally, due to deforestation, it bas been considered in extinction process. The present research aimed to evaluate the interaction between levels of soil pH and NPKS fertilization on growth of seedlings of grápia. Twelve treatments were used in a complete trifactorial scheme (3x2x2), represented by the combination of three levels of soil pH (4.8, 5.5 and 6.0), two levels of fertilization (addition or not of NPKS - 40:40:40:30mg kg-1, respectively) and two horizons (A and B) of a Rhodic Paleudalf soil. Each pot of 3.5kg of capacity were arranged in a completely randomized design with five replicates per treatment. Plant height, stem collar diameter and leaves number was monthly evaluated. 150 days after plant emergence, above and belowground dry matter, total root length, and root to shoot dry matter ratio were also evaluated. Liming reduced growth of plants grown in soil of horizon A (topsoil), which suggests that grápia is well adapted to acid conditions. NPKS application increased plant growth only under acid soil (pH 4.8).
soil acidity; soil pH; aluminum; Apuleia leiocarpa
