Fertilization with Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Affects Composition of Araucaria angustifolia Needles, Branches and Stem

Abstract Fertilization can be a sustainable management practice for the maintenance of threatened species such as Araucaria angustifolia. Our objective was to evaluate elemental composition A. angustifolia fertilized with N, P, and K, how fertilization altered soil fertility. Seven-month-old seedlings were transplanted 16 dm3 pots, three experiments carried separately (one each cited element) in completely randomized design. Overall, tended accumulate nutrients differently among compartments following order: needles > branches stem. Application N reduced pH, boosted Mn concentration more 10 times, decreased P uptake, changed C:N C:P ratios. Increased doses led higher uptake rates but promoted reduction absorption Mg. High K diminished Ca, Mg, Mn, B, confirming antagonism interaction Ca