In Brazil, along with the intensification of clonal forestry, the management of more productive and more nutrient-demanding genotypes has led to the appearance of micronutrient deficiency symptoms, mainly of Boron, and more recently, of Copper (Cu) and Zinc, especially in Cerrado areas. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three extractant solutions to determine Cu availability (Mehlich-1, Mehlich-3 and DTPA pH 7.3) for eucalyptus seedlings grown under greenhouse conditions in six Cerrado soil samples and to assess the influence of soil properties on the efficiency of these extractors. Treatments were arranged in a randomized block design, with four replications, in a 6 x 5 factorial scheme, representing six soils and five Cu doses (0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mg dm-3). The critical Cu levels in Cerrado soils for eucalyptus seedlings, by the extractors Mehlich-1 and DTPA, are equal to or below 0.12 and 0.09 mg dm-3; respectively. All three extractors showed a close relationship of the Cu plant concentration and content to Cu soil concentration. The Cu concentrations were strongly correlated among Mehlich-1, Mehlich-3 and DTPA extractors. Consequently, Cu availability to eucalyptus seedlings can be evaluated using any of the three extractors. However, Mehlich-1 is the most recommended method. Firstly, due to the easy handling compared to other methods and, secondly, due to the widespread use in most routine analysis laboratories of Brazil.
extractors; copper; fertilization; eucalyptus
