In Pedras de Fogo-PB-Brazil, the absorption and the utilization of nutrients of three commercial stands of Bambusa vulgaris were compared in sandy soil with differential declivity and plant density, under annual total cut in sandy soil. In cut age, three 15 x 15 m plots were sampled by stand. In each plot, soil analysis in three levels of depths were made and three medium clumps were sampled and weighed old and new culms, twigs, leaves, rhizome and organic blanket. Sub samples of each biomass component were weighed, before and after drying, for dry biomass estimation and analysis of N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The nutrient content and dry biomass / nutrient content ratio in each biomass component were analyzed by complete random design and the median was compared by Tukey test, with 5% probability. The declivity raised the absorption efficiency of P, K and Ca, and higher clump density raised K absorption efficiency. The efficiency of nutrient utilization in total and commercial biomass was similar in all stands. In leaves, the nutrient content did not vary between stands, but was greatest for N, and the nutrient efficiency utilization varied for P. The nutrient content of felled leaves did not vary by stand, but was greater for K, Ca and Mg in declivity and the nutrient efficiency of utilization was low for N. The rhizome had higher contents of nutrients and N is the nutrient with lower utilization efficiency. Since the nutrient cycling did not compensate exportation, fertilization is necessary, mainly with K, the most exported nutrient.
Bamboo; Bambusa vulgaris; Mineral nutrients
