We aimed to evaluate the effects of nitrogen rates in early growth, SPAD index, content and accumulation of nutrients in cedar seedlings. The experiment was carried out in a plastic greenhouse and the seedlings were grown in plastic pots filled with 20 dm-3 of Rhodic Hapludox, arranged inrandomized blocks with four replications. Rates of 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 mg dm-3 N were tested. Fertilization up to 160 mg dm-3 N promoted increases in SPAD index and early growth of plants, beyond greater absorption of N,P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Overall, lower N rates limited growth but not the absorption of nutrients by cedar plants. In leaves, the only nutrien taffected was the B which their content was reduced with increasing of N rate. Increased of nitrogen fertilization changed the Cu distributionin plants, since increased Cu content in roots and reduced their content in stem. Higher N rates promoted higher accumulation of all nutrients due to the increase of dry matter. Nitrogen fertilization changed the dynamic of nutrient absorption in cedar. With 160 mg dm-3 N, the amount absorbed followed the order: N>S>Ca>K>Mg>P>Fe>Mn>B> Zn> Cu.
Content and accumulation; Macronutrient and micronutrient; SPAD index
