Growth of mesquite in the nursery under different substrate, irrigation and moisture retainer conditions

Introduction: In northern Mexico, mesquite is widely used in reforestation. The production of quality plant is necessary for its establishment in the field.  Objective: To evaluate the effect of different moisture retainer doses, substrate mixtures and irrigation frequencies on growth of Prosopis laevigata. Materials and methods: The effect of five moisture retainer doses (0.0,1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 g·L-1), two irrigation frequencies (every 48 and 96 h) and two substrate mixtures (base mixture [55 % peat moss + 24 % vermiculite + 21 % agrolite]) and composted bark [50 %] + peat moss [50 %]). Mesquite plants were evaluated at three months of age in a randomized block experimental design with a factorial arrangement.  Results and discussion: The factors, both individual and in interaction, caused significant differences (P < 0.05) in plant height, diameter and biomass. The best results were obtained using the base mixture, irrigation every 48 h and moisture retainers at doses of 1.5, 4.5 or 6.0 g·L-1. Substrate was the most influential factor. Conclusion: Growth of P. laevigata is favored through the most beneficial combination of substrate type, irrigation frequency and moisture retainer dose.