Macronutrient omission and the development and nutritional status of basil in nutritive solution

Abstract

The correct nutrition of basil (Ocinum basilicum L.) is important to increase its production and quality; however, few papers have deal with this subject. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of omission of individual macronutrients on the growth and nutritional status of basil cultivated in nutritive solution. The treatments consisted of nutrient solutions with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium or sulfur (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, or S) omissions and a complete solution treatment. The plants were cultivated in 8 L plant pots. Plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, relative chlorophyll index, net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, plant dry matter, concentration levels of macronutrients in the aerial part and root system, and nutritional disorders were all evaluated. Nutrient omission was a limiting factor for plant development, substantially reducing its growth. There was also a considerable decrease in nutrient accumulation when compared to the control treatment.