Growth of Brachiaria decumbens in Latosol contaminated with copper

ABSTRACT Brachiaria decumbens presents high rusticity, rapid growth, as well as easy implantation and management. The aim of the study is to evaluate the growth of brachiaria in soil contaminated with copper. An experiment following a 3 x 4 factorial design was carried. It comprised three plant ages (30, 45 and 60 days after transplanting) and four copper concentrations (0, 20, 40 and 80 mg of Cu per kg of soil). Plant age and copper concentrations have influenced the main pseudostem length, the number of leaves, as well as the leaf area, chlorophyll (SPAD), fresh and dry shoot matter, root system volume, and fresh and dry root system matter of plants. The lowest dry shoot matter accumulation was found at the concentration 51.24 mg Kg-1. The herein investigated copper concentrations have influenced the growth of Brachiaria decumbens. The lowest growth variable values were between 45.52 and 57.63 mg.Kg-1. Thus, brachiaria has shown potential to be used in Copper phytoremediation at concentrations below 45.52 mg Kg-1