ArtigoDaniel 2024
ArtigoDaniel 2024
Article
Productive, Morphological and Nutritional Indicators of Cactus
Pear in a Semiarid Region
Daniel Bezerra do Nascimento 1 , André Luiz Rodrigues Magalhães 1 , Gherman Garcia Leal de Araújo 2 ,
Alexandre Tavares da Rocha 1 , Getúlio Figueiredo de Oliveira 3 , Amélia de Macedo 3 , Cleyton de Almeida Araújo 1 ,
Hideo de Jesus Nagahama 3 , Thieres George Freire da Silva 4 , Silvia Helena Nogueira Turco 5 ,
Rayanne Thalita de Almeida Souza 6 , Glayciane Costa Gois 7, * and Fleming Sena Campos 7
1 Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Pasture, Universidade Federal do Agreste de Pernambuco,
Garanhuns 55292-270, PE, Brazil; [email protected] (D.B.d.N.);
[email protected] (A.L.R.M.); [email protected] (A.T.d.R.);
[email protected] (C.d.A.A.)
2 Embrapa Semi-Árido, Petrolina 56302-970, PE, Brazil; [email protected]
3 Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco,
Petrolina 56300-000, PE, Brazil; [email protected] (G.F.d.O.); [email protected] (A.d.M.);
[email protected] (H.d.J.N.)
4 Postgraduate Program in Plant Production, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco,
Serra Talhada 56909-535, PE, Brazil; [email protected]
5 Postgraduate Program in Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco,
Petrolina 56300-990, PE, Brazil; [email protected]
6 Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco,
Recife 52171-900, PE, Brazil; [email protected]
7 Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Universidade Federal do Maranhão,
Chapadinha 65500-000, MA, Brazil; [email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected]
Keywords: animal manure; brackish water; crude protein; Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw
Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
1. Introduction
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
The semiarid region in this study is characterized by high temperatures and low
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
rainfall, with space–time variability. In addition, the region has a high solar incidence
4.0/).
(2800 h/year) and an evapotranspiration level (2000 mm/year) higher than precipita-
tion [1–3], with shallow, stony soils, with a low water retention capacity and low levels
of organic matter [4]. These characteristics promote a reduction in forage availability in
periods of greater water deficit, which increases the vulnerability of agricultural production
in this region [5].
The success of cactus pear in rainfed regions is related to its rusticity, productivity,
nutritional value and consumption by ruminants [6]. The high productivity in these regions
can be explained by their xerophytic habit and the crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM),
which lead to morphophysiological changes under adverse conditions [7]. Due to CAM,
their stomata open essentially at night, when ambient temperatures are mild, which reduces
water loss through evapotranspiration, thus having a high water use efficiency [8].
Among cactus pear clones, the Mexican elephant ear (Opuntia stricta Haw.) presents
good agronomic responses, being less demanding in terms of nutrients, more tolerant to
water stress conditions and having a higher production of green and dry matter per unit
area [9]. Its high productivity is related to its efficiency in the use of water [10] and higher
forage accumulation rate [11], in addition to high values for the cladode area, which allows
a large water accumulation and a larger photosynthetic area [12].
Climate change contributes to the reduction in fresh water available for watering,
resulting in intense aridization. Since the demand for drinking water is intensifying due
to world population growth, brackish water is a valuable resource in agriculture [13], as
irrigated agriculture is responsible for the highest consumption of available drinking water
in semiarid regions. Thus, problems related to water economy have increased the interest in
research related to techniques to reduce the use of potable water in irrigation [14]. Therefore,
the use of brackish water as a water source to meet the needs of plants is an important
alternative for the development of irrigated agriculture [15]. This innovative approach
needs to be developed to ensure the expansion of sustainable in the semiarid regions.
Haloculture is a term describing agricultural techniques that use salinized soils and
brackish or saline water to cultivate salinity-tolerant plants [13]. It is one of the practical
approaches that can contribute to mitigating the adverse effects on food security and other
socioeconomic issues arising from climate change, seeking the benefits that a system can
have on agricultural resilience [16].
However, irrigation with brackish water, when poorly managed, can compromise
the production system. Soil salinity can limit plant growth and development, causing
loss of productivity in agricultural species [17]. Most cultivated plants are sensitive to
salinity caused by high concentrations of salts in the soil and may present alterations in
their metabolic and biochemical activities due to osmotic and ionic effects in the root zone
due to the accumulation of ions, such as sodium, chlorine and boron, inside of the plant
and soil, with impacts on stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate, reduced protein
synthesis, reduced enzymatic activities and increased chlorophyll deterioration [14,18,19].
Araújo Junior et al. [20] mentioned that cactus pear does not tolerate saline stress, with
an inhibition of root development and of the aerial part of plant, due to the accumulation of
salts in the soil, which inhibit the absorption of CO2 . However, Farrag et al. [21] observed
that irrigation with brackish water for short periods does not significantly reduce crop
productivity, requiring more detailed studies on the reality of the arid and semiarid regions,
seeking ways that promote better coexistence with conditions of water scarcity [22].
Thus, to minimize the toxicity of salt accumulation resulting from the use of brackish
water for irrigation, and to improve soil properties, the use of economic approaches, such
as the application of organic matter, particularly animal manure, is a useful and viable
alternative [23]. This practice attenuates the effect of soil salinity, with the production of
humic acids and organic acids, promoting an increase in the solubilization of carbonates,
which delays the effect of adding salts to the soil through irrigation and leaching of these
salts during the rainy season. Organic fertilizer can mitigate the harmful effects of salts on
plant roots, stimulating the uptake of water and nutrients by cactus pear in the semiarid
region [2,24].
Agronomy 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 27
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 salts during the rainy season. Organic fertilizer can mitigate the harmful effects of salts on
3 of 23
plant roots, stimulating the uptake of water and nutrients by cactus pear in the semiarid
region [2,24].
The yield potential of cactus pear under irrigation conditions with brackish water in
The yield potential of cactus pear under irrigation conditions with brackish water
the Brazilian Semiarid region is still little known [25,26]. In addition, studies that indicate
in the Brazilian Semiarid region is still little known [25,26]. In addition, studies that
the amount of brackish water and the ideal dose of organic matter that can favor the pro-
indicate the amount of brackish water and the ideal dose of organic matter that can favor
duction of cactus pear biomass are incipient, and research is needed to support this man-
the production of cactus pear biomass are incipient, and research is needed to support
agement
this strategy.strategy.
management In this sense, we
In this hypothesized
sense, that cactus
we hypothesized thatpear irrigated
cactus with brackish
pear irrigated with
water and fertilized with organic fertilizer increases its production and
brackish water and fertilized with organic fertilizer increases its production and water water use effi-
use
ciency, without affecting its nutritional composition.
efficiency, without affecting its nutritional composition.
Thus, the
Thus, the objective
objective was
was to
to evaluate
evaluate the
the effect
effect ofof irrigation
irrigation with
with brackish
brackish water
water and
and
levels of organic fertilizer on the morphological aspects, production, chemical
levels of organic fertilizer on the morphological aspects, production, chemical composition composi-
tionin
and and in vitro
vitro digestibility
digestibility of cactus
of cactus pear grown
pear grown in theinBrazilian
the Brazilian Semiarid
Semiarid region.
region.
2. Materials
2. Materials and
and Methods
Methods
2.1.
2.1. Experimental
Experimental Site
Site
The
Theexperiment
experimentwas wascarried outout
carried in the Biosaline
in the Agriculture
Biosaline AgricultureProspecting and Research
Prospecting and Re-
Area
search(Figure
Area 1), located
(Figure 1), in the Caatinga
located experimental
in the Caatinga field, belonging
experimental to Embrapa
field, belonging to Semiarid,
Embrapa
in Petrolina,instate
Semiarid, of Pernambuco,
Petrolina, Brazil (latitude
state of Pernambuco, 09◦ 8′ 8.9
Brazil
′′ S, longitude 40◦ 18′ 33.6′′ W,
(latitude 09°8′8.9″ S, longitude
379 m altitude).
40°18′33.6″ W, 379 m altitude).
Figure1.1. Geographic
Figure Geographic location
locationof
ofthe
theEmbrapa
EmbrapaSemiarid
Semiaridexperimental
experimentalarea.
area.
The climate
The climate of the
the region
regionisisclassified
classifiedasassemiarid
semiaridBSwh’.
BSwh’. Rainfall is concentrated
Rainfall be-
is concentrated
tween November
between NovemberandandApril,
April,with
withan anaverage
averageannual
annualrainfall
rainfall of
of around
around 400 mm, unevenly
unevenly
distributed. ◦ C),
distributed. This
This experiment
experiment lasted
lasted 1818 months.
months. Information
Information regarding
regarding temperature
temperature ((°C),
relative humidity (%), rainfall (mm) and reference evapotranspiration (mm) during the
experimental period is illustrated in Figure 2.
Agronomy 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 27
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 relative humidity (%), rainfall (mm) and reference evapotranspiration (mm) during
4 of 23 the
experimental period is illustrated in Figure 2.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Figure
Figure 2. Air
2. Air temperature
temperature (A),relative
(A), relativeair
airhumidity
humidity (B),
(B),precipitation
precipitation(C), reference
(C), evapotranspira-
reference evapotranspira-
tion (D) and brackish water depth applied (E) during the experimental
tion (D) and brackish water depth applied (E) during the experimental period.period.
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 5 of 23
2.2. Characterization of Water, Soil and Organic Fertilizer Used in the Experiment
Water used in irrigation came from an underground well, with an approximate flow
of 1500 L/h. Water samples were collected monthly for analysis (Table 1) in bottles with
a capacity of 500 mL. Water analyses were performed at the Water Analysis Laboratory
of Embrapa Semiárido, Petrolina, PE, Brazil. Calcium (Ca2+ ), magnesium (Mg2+ ), sodium
(Na+ ) and potassium (K+ ), chlorides (Cl− ), bicarbonate (CO3 2− ) and sulfate (SO4 2− ), pH,
electrical conductivity (EC) and sodicity were analyzed according to Parron et al. [27].
Table 1. Table 1. Chemical composition of the water used for irrigation over the 18 months.
The water used in the experiment was classified as C3S1, i.e., with high salinity, low
sodium content, and moderate hardness (75–150 mg/L) based on calcium carbonate [28].
The soil in the experimental area was classified as Acrisols [29], located on a flat relief,
with medium texture. Soil samples from 0–0.10, 0.10–0.20, and 0.20–0.30 m depth profiles
were collected during the implementation of the experiment to determine the physical and
chemical properties of the soil (Table 2). To evaluate the physical properties, undisturbed
soil samples were collected using volumetric cores (0.03 × 0.05 m) to preserve the soil
structure. Soil bulk density was assessed after weighing the soil, when the core volume was
already known (0.03 × 0.05 m). Total porosity was determined from the ratio between soil
bulk density and particle density [30]. Particle density was determined by the volumetric
balloon method and alcohol as liquid penetrant [30]. Sand, silt, and clay fractions were
quantified using the methodology described by Teixeira et al. [31].
The pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured according to the AOAC [32].
The nitrogen (N) content was quantified by the Kjeldahl method [33]. The phosphorus
(P), potassium (K+ ), sodium (Na+ ), calcium (Ca2+ ) and magnesium (Mg2+ ) contents were
quantified according to the methodology described by Holanda Filho et al. [34]. Copper
(Cu2+ ), iron (Fe2+ ), manganese (Mn2+ ) and zinc (Zn2+ ) were evaluated according to the
methodology of Claessen [30]. The potential acidity (H + Al) was quantified by extraction,
following the methodology described by Coldebella et al. [35]. The sum of bases (SB),
cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation (V) were calculated with the equations
below [36]:
SB = Ca2+ + Mg2+ + Na2+ + K +
CEC = SB + H + Al
V% = 100 × SB / CEC
The determination of the organic matter (OM) content was carried out following the
method established by Goldin [37], through total combustion. The determination of the
total carbon content of the soil was carried out according to the EMBRAPA [36].
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 6 of 23
Table 2. Chemical composition of the soil in the experimental area before the installation of
the experiment.
Layer (cm)
Items Unit
0–10 10–20 20–40
Electrical conductivity mS/cm 1.06 0.30 0.24
Potential hydrogeologic - 6.10 6.00 5.50
Organic Matter g/kg 4.6 4.1 3.7
Total carbon g/kg 5.20 4.90 3.70
Nitrogen mg/dm3 0.43 0.43 0.38
Phosphorus mg/dm3 2.97 2.50 0.61
Potassium cmol/dm3 0.34 0.30 0.18
Sodium cmol/dm3 0.24 0.21 0.03
Calcium cmol/dm3 1.50 1.20 1.60
Magnesium cmol/dm3 0.60 0.70 0.60
Potential acidity cmol/dm3 2.10 2.70 3.00
Sum of bases cmol/dm3 2.70 2.40 2.40
Cation exchange capacity cmol/dm3 4.80 5.10 5.50
Base saturation % 56.30 47.00 44.20
Copper mg/dm3 0.54 0.50 1.06
Iron mg/dm3 12.90 6.20 7.90
Manganese mg/dm3 9.60 20.00 8.90
Zinc mg/dm3 15.38 3.66 22.34
Density (Soil) kg/dm3 1.47 1.41 1.44
Density (Particles) kg/dm3 2.58 2.58 2.58
Porosity % 43.2 45.23 44.02
Granulometry (Sand) % 83.4 80.6 71.64
Granulometry (Silt) % 10.49 13.53 11.47
Granulometry (Clay) % 6.11 5.87 16.89
Figure
Figure3.3.Schematic
Schematicrepresentation ofthe
representation of theexperimental
experimental design.
design.
The main
Among theplot consisted
18 plants, of five irrigation
6 central plants were depths:
used 0, for
12.5,evaluations.
25, 37.5 and 50% EachETo. ETo is
experimental
the reference evapotranspiration, and was quantified using the Penman-Monteith method,
unit subjected to water depth treatments and organic fertilizer levels had 32 m2 (8 × 4 m),
parameterized according to FAO Bulletin 56 [38], considering a Kc of 0.52 during the
of which 15.36 m2 (4.8 × 3.2 m2) referred to as the useful area.
18 months. The accumulated precipitation during the 18 experimental months (535 mm)
wasThe main
added plotirrigation
to the consisted of five0%
depths: irrigation
(0 + 535, depths:
equivalent 0, 12.5,
to 53525,
mm),37.512.5%
and (88.9
50% + ETo.
535,ETo
is equivalent
the reference evapotranspiration, and was quantified using
to 623.9 mm), 25% (117.8 + 535, equivalent to 652.8 mm), 37.5% (266.7 + 535, the Penman-Monteith
method, parameterized
equivalent to 801.7 mm)according
and 50% (355.6 to FAO Bulletin
+ 535, 56 [38],
equivalent considering
to 890.6 mm). a Kc of 0.52 during
the 18Irrigation
months. was Theperformed
accumulated withprecipitation
fixed depth twice during the according
a week, 18 experimental months (535
to each treatment
mm)
(equalwastoadded
5, 10, 15toand
the20 irrigation depths:The
mm per week). 0%five(0 +irrigation
535, equivalent
depths wereto 535 mm), 12.5%
calculated based(88.9
+ on
535,the Kc value recommended
equivalent to 623.9 mm), by 25%Queiroz
(117.8et + al.
535,[39], in which to
equivalent the652.8
maximummm), evapotran-
37.5% (266.7 +
spiration
535, of cactus
equivalent pear mm)
to 801.7 occursandaround
50% 50% (355.6of +the
535,ETo. Therefore,todepths
equivalent below 50% ETo
890.6 mm).
represent deficient
Irrigation irrigation conditions.
was performed with fixed Irrigation
depth twice wasa performed
week, accordingby surface dripping,
to each treatment
using a drip tube with emitters at a flow rate of 1.5 L/h, nominal
(equal to 5, 10, 15 and 20 mm per week). The five irrigation depths were calculated diameter (ND) of 16 mm based
and spacing 0.20 m between them, with a uniformity coefficient of 93% and flow of 0.9 L/h.
on the Kc value recommended by Queiroz et al. [39], in which the maximum evapotran-
Water was applied according to crop evapotranspiration (ETc), obtained by multiplying
spiration of cactus pear occurs around 50% of the ETo. Therefore, depths below 50% ETo
ETo and crop coefficient (Kc).
representThe deficient
subplots wereirrigation
composedconditions. Irrigation
of four levels of organicwasmatter
performed byand
(0, 15, 30 surface dripping,
45 Mg/ha).
using a drip tube
The tanned cattlewith emitters
and goat manure at a was
flowused
rate asof organic
1.5 L/h, fertilizer
nominal(OF).diameter (ND) ofhad
The manure 16 mm
and spacing 0.20 m between them, with a uniformity coefficient
the following characteristics: electrical conductivity = 12.27 mS/cm; pH = 8.3; total nitro- of 93% and flow of 0.9
L/h.
genWater was applied
= 9.3 g/kg; according=to355.39
total phosphorus 3
crop evapotranspiration
mg/dm ; total potassium (ETc),=obtained 3;
by multiply-
243.5 cmolc/dm
ing ETo
total and crop
calcium = 6.4coefficient
cmolc/dm(Kc). 3 ; total magnesium = 2.5 cmolc/dm ; copper = 1.45 mg/dm3 ;
3
3
ironThe
= 5.36 mg/dm
subplots were ; manganese
composed = of58.13 mg/dm
four levels of3organic
; zinc = matter (0, 15,330
2.43 mg/dm . Fertilization
and 45 Mg/ha).
management was carried out only once during the implementation
The tanned cattle and goat manure was used as organic fertilizer (OF). The manure of the experiment, in had
which
the each treatment
following received
characteristics: its respective
electrical level of fertilization.
conductivity = 12.27 mS/cm; pH = 8.3; total nitrogen
= 9.3 g/kg; total phosphorus = 355.39 mg/dm3; total potassium = 243.5 cmolc/dm3; total
calcium = 6.4 cmolc/dm3; total magnesium = 2.5 cmolc/dm3; copper = 1.45 mg/dm3; iron =
5.36 mg/dm3; manganese = 58.13 mg/dm3; zinc = 2.43 mg/dm3. Fertilization management
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 8 of 23
2.4. Morphological and Productive Responses of Cactus Pear with an Eighteen-Month Cycle
Morphological characteristics were collected in all experimental treatments from
18 months after the beginning of the productive cycle. Values of plant height (PH), plant
width (PW) total number of cladodes (TNC), number of primary cladodes (NPC1), number
of secondary cladodes (NSC2), number of tertiary cladodes (NTC3), length (LC), width
(WC), perimeter (PC) and thickness (TC) of primary (P), secondary (S) and tertiary (T)
cladodes and mother (M) cladode.
For production data, three plants from the useful area of each plot were sampled
and weighed on a precision scale to obtain fresh weight. The average fresh weight per
plant (FWP, kg/plant) was obtained and then the green matter production (GMP, Mg/ha)
estimated from the product of the FWP and the equivalent density of plants per hectare
(DPH). From the product of GMP and % dry matter (% DM), the dry matter production
(DMP, Mg/ha) was obtained. The water accumulation of in the crop (WA, m3 /ha) was
estimated by calculating the difference between GMP and DMP, according to Perazzo
et al. [40]. With the ratio of DMP values to total water depths received by each treatment,
the water use efficiency based on dry matter (WUE_DM, g DM/ha/mm) was calculated, in
kg/ha/mm, according to Silva et al. [41].
TC = 100 − (% CP + % EE + % MM )
Ruminal contents were collected after the morning meal. The solid part was collected from
the rumen through the cannula and manually pressed to separate the solid part from the
liquid part. The ruminal inoculum was filtered through 4 layers of cheesecloth, constantly
injecting CO2 to maintain the anaerobic environment and kept in a water bath (TECNAL,
Piracicaba, SP, Brazil) at 39 ◦ C.
After 48 h of incubation in an oven at 39 ◦ C, 2 mL hydrochloric acid (6 Molar) and
1 mL pepsin (0.4 g pepsin/mL solution) were added to each flask. The same procedure
was applied to blanks (flasks containing inoculum and medium, without samples). Two
bottles were used as a blank. In total, 82 flasks were incubated. After 24 h of incubation,
vacuum filtering procedures were carried out in filtering crucibles, residues were dried and
weighed for later calculation of IVDMD.
3. Results
3.1. Morphological Responses of Cactus Pear with an Eighteen-Month Cycle
The results obtained for the morphological characteristics of cactus pear as a function
of the application of brackish water levels and organic fertilization doses show that the
tested factors influence the characteristics evaluated in isolation, with no interaction effect
between the factors (p > 0.05; Table 3).
Brackish water depths applied in cactus pear provided a quadratic effect for LMC,
with greater length (26.63 cm) obtained with the application of 37.5% ETo (p = 0.025; Table 3;
Figure 4). The other morphological characteristics evaluated in cactus pear were not
influenced by the applied brackish water depths (p > 0.05; Table 3).
The application of organic fertilizer doses improved the morphological characteristics
of cactus pear (p < 0.05; Table 3). Increases were observed in the height and width of cactus
pear (p < 0.001; Table 3), with an increase of 53.68–89.92 cm for PH (p < 0.001; Figure 5A)
and of 55.12–133.67 cm for PW (p < 0.001; Figure 5B), as the doses of organic fertilizer
applied increased.
The organic fertilizer applied benefited the total number of cladodes, with an increase
of 355.92% in the TNC in relation to the control treatment, without fertilization (p < 0.001;
Figure 5C). Likewise, increases were observed for NPC1, NSC2 and NTC3, with an increase
of 130.03%, 355.32% and 1590% for NPC1, NSC2 and NTC3, respectively, according to the
increase in the doses of organic fertilizer applied in the cactus pear (p < 0.001; Figure 5C).
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 10 of 23
Table 3. Effect of irrigation depths with brackish water and organic fertilizer doses on morphological
characteristics of cactus pear in the semiarid region.
Agronomy 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 27
Figure Effectofof
Figure 4.4.Effect irrigation
irrigation depths
depths onlength
on the the length of mother
of mother cladodes
cladodes of cactusofpear
cactus
in apear in a semiarid
semiarid
region
region (*(*indicates
indicatesthethe determination
determination coefficient).
coefficient).
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 Agronomy 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 2312 of 27
(A) (B)
(C) (D)
(E) (F)
(G)
Figure 5. Effect ofFigure 5. Effect of organic fertilizer doses on plant height (A), plant width (B), number of cladodes
organic fertilizer doses on plant height (A), plant width (B), number of clado-
(total—NTC; primary—NPC1; secondary—NSC2 and tertiary—NTC3) (C), length of cladodes
des (total—NTC; primary—NPC1; secondary—NSC2 and tertiary—NTC3) (C), length of clado-
des (primary—LPC1; secondary—LSC2; tertiary—LTC3) (D), width of cladodes (mother—WMC;
primary—WPC1; secondary—WSC2; tertiary—WTC3) (E), thickness of cladodes (primary—TPC1;
secondary—TSC2; tertiary—TTC3) (F) and perimeter of cladodes (mother—PMC; primary—PPC1;
secondary—PSC2; tertiary—PTC3) (G) of cactus pear in a semiarid region (* indicates the determina-
tion coefficient).
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 12 of 23
Table 4. Effect of irrigation depths and organic fertilizer doses on the characteristics of green matter
production (GMP), dry matter production (DMP), water accumulation (WA) and water use efficiency
based on dry matter (WUE_DM) of cactus pear in the semiarid region.
Figure
Figure6.6.
Effects of irrigation
Effects depthsdepths
of irrigation on water
onuse efficiency
water use of cactus pear
efficiency of incactus
a semiarid
pearregion (*
in a semiarid region
indicates the determination coefficient).
(* indicates the determination coefficient).
The organic fertilizer applied increased GMP (p < 0.001) and DMP (p < 0.001), with
GMP from 58.49 to 409.85 Mg/ha and DMP from 4.89 to 34.76 Mg/ha (Table 4). According
to Figure 5A,B, it was possible to observe an increase of 7.81 Mg/ha of green matter
(Figure 7A) and 0.664 Mg/ha of dry matter (Figure 7B) for each Mg/ha of OF applied.
The organic fertilizer applied increased the water accumulation (p < 0.001; Table 4) in
cactus pear to 375.09 m3 /ha at the level of 45 Mg/ha, with a relative increase of 7.144 m3 /ha
for each Mg/ha of organic fertilizer applied, according to Figure 7C. An increase was also
observed for WUE_DM (51.87 g DM/ha/mm) with the use of 45 Mg/ha organic fertilizer,
with an increment of 0.983 kg DM/ha/mm for each Mg/ha of OF applied, according to
Figure 7D.
Agronomy 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 27
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 13 of 23
(A) (B)
(C) (D)
Figure 7. Effect ofFigure 7. Effect of organic fertilizer doses on green matter production (GMP) (A), dry matter pro-
organic fertilizer doses on green matter production (GMP) (A), dry matter
duction (DMP) (B), water accumulation (WA) (C) and water use efficiency (WUE) (D) of cactus pear
production (DMP) in (B),
a semiaridaccumulation
water (WA)
region (* indicates (C) and water
the determination use efficiency (WUE) (D) of cactus
coefficient).
pear in a semiarid region (* indicates the determination coefficient).
3.3. Chemical Composition and In Vitro Digestibility of Dry Matter
3.3. Chemical Composition and IninVitro
As shown Table Digestibility
5, the brackishofwater
Dry Matter
depths, organic fertilizer and the interaction
As shown inbetween Table 5,these
the factors
brackish waterthe
influence depths, organic
nutritional fertilizerofand
composition thepear
cactus interaction
(p < 0.05). The
between these factors interaction of brackish
influence water depthscomposition
the nutritional x organic fertilizer doses influenced
of cactus pear (p <the EE (pThe
0.05). < 0.001),
interaction of brackishCP (p =water
0.043) NDIP
depths (p x
= 0.001),
organic NIA (p = 0.041),
fertilizer dosesTC (p = 0.032) andthe
influenced NFC EE(p(p
= 0.015) contents
< 0.001),
(Table 5).
CP (p = 0.043) NDIP (p = 0.001), NIA (p = 0.041), TC (p = 0.032) and NFC (p = 0.015) contents
(Table 5). Table 5. Effect of irrigation depths and organic fertilizer doses on the chemical composi-
The use of brackish
tion and in water depths ofof37.5%
vitro digestibility EToinassociated
cactus pear the semiarid with
region.doses of 30 and
45 Mg/ha, raised the EE content to 20 g/kg DM (Figure 8A). The absence of irrigation
Items Irrigation Depths (% ETo) Organic Fertilizer Levels (Mg/ha) p-Value
(g/kg DM)
depths
0.0
(0%12.5
ETo),25.0regardless
37.5
of the SEM
50.0
organic0fertilizer 15
load 30
applied,
45
maintained
SEM
ID
CPOF values
ID × OF
DM * above 50 g/kg DM. However, when
91.42 79.31 83.19 81.97 86.79 2.182 87.78 the applied brackish
81.41 water
84.04 depths
84.91 2.340 0.054 0.088 the
were increased, 0.086
MM CP 168.73
content was 211.99
206.88 reduced (Figure
208.87 210.618B).4.143 225.18 196.81 192.43 191.25 6.901 0.000 0.000 0.141
EE The highest
10.86 concentrations
14.33 13.25 22.48 13.83of 0.884NDIP 12.23
(Figure14.51
8C) and NIA16.76
16.30 (Figure 8D) were
1.157 0.000 obtained
0.000 0.000
CP with57.30 58.01 50.91 49.58 48.62 2.738 54.63 50.58 52.87 53.46
the application of a 50% ETo brackish water depth associated with doses of 0, 15 and 2.223 0.045 0.254 0.043
NDF 216.88 243.25 259.79 264.65 250.82 5.284 216.77 256.88 262.40 252.26 7.062 0.000 0.000 0.146
30 Mg/ha of organic fertilizer. Despite the joint effect of brackish water and organic fertilizer
NDFap 194.89 220.06 235.38 239.28 223.16 4.639 191.79 231.67 236.00 230.75 5.695 0.000 0.000 0.271
ADF levels on TC
98.11 96.03(Figure
94.22 8E)92.50and89.35
NFC 2.674
(Figure 8F) levels,
85.11 96.59 the96.34greatest
98.13 influence
3.544 0.190 was 0.001
exerted 0.162
CEL by the levels
96.95 of organic
95.09 93.03 91.39fertilizer
88.16applied, in which
2.617 84.14 these95.28
95.37 variables
96.92 reached
3.471 concentrations
0.179 0.001 0.171
HEM greater
118.78than 760165.56
146.95 g/kg172.15
TC and 161.475604.628
g/kg131.66
NFC, 160.29
respectively,
165.85 when
154.13 45 Mg/ha
6.323 0.000of 0.001
organic 0.402
LIG fertilizer
1.16 was 1.19 applied
1.19 without
1.11 1.18 0.075 (0%
irrigation 0.97ETo).1.23 1.26 1.21 0.097 0.943 0.032 0.308
NDIP 53.18 50.86 46.53 47.48 59.52 3.668 54.44 51.88 53.24 46.47 2.785 0.091 0.044 0.000
NIA
The irrigation
3.45 4.31
of brackish
5.01 4.70
water0.270
5.13
depths resulted
4.55 4.93
in a4.59
quadratic
3.99
effect for MM (p < 0.001;
0.349 0.002 0.038 0.041
TC Table 5), with
762.92 720.77the 25%719.06
724.49 ETo depth
726.97 promoting
5.007 707.80the highest
738.21 MM738.54
738.83 content (211.99
6.776 0.000g/kg DM),
0.000 0.032
with an increase of 25.64% MM in this treatment compared to the control depth (0% ETo)
(Figure 9A). A quadratic effect was also observed for the contents of NDF (p < 0.001), NDFap
(p < 0.001), HEM (p < 0.001), and FC (p < 0.001), with higher values of these components
in the with the use of the 37.5% ETo brackish water depth, with 264.65 g/kg for NDF
(p = 0.001; Figure 9B), 239.28 g/kg MS for NDFap (p = 0.001; Figure 9C), 172.15 g/kg for
HEM (p = 0.001; Figure 9D) and 238.58 g/kg for FC (p = 0.001; Figure 9E).
Agronomy 2024, 14,
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366
x FOR PEER REVIEW 17 of 27
14 of 23
(A) (B)
(C) (D)
(E) (F)
Figure
Figure 8.
8. Interaction
Interaction effect
effect between
between irrigation
irrigation depths
depths and
and organic
organic fertilizer
fertilizer levels
levels on
on ether
ether extract
extract
(EE) (A), crude protein (CP) (B), neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDIP) (C), neutral insoluble
(EE) (A), crude protein (CP) (B), neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDIP) (C), neutral insoluble ash
ash (NIA) (D) total carbohydrates (CHOT) (E) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) (F) of cactus
(NIA) (D) total carbohydrates (CHOT) (E) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) (F) of cactus pear in
pear in a semiarid region (* indicates the determination coefficient).
a semiarid region (* indicates the determination coefficient).
The irrigation of brackish water depths resulted in a quadratic effect for MM (p <
0.001; Table 5), with the 25% ETo depth promoting the highest MM content (211.99 g/kg
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 15 of 23
Regarding in vitro dry matter digestibility, a quadratic effect of brackish water depth
was observed (Table 5), with higher values observed for the treatment without irrigation
(0% ETo; 886.75 g/kg DM) and according to the irrigation was applied, the IVDMD de-
creased by 3.19% when 50% ETo was applied, compared to the treatment without irrigation
(0% ETo) (Figure 9F).
The organic fertilizer doses applied to cactus pear provided a quadratic effect on
the MM content (Table 5), with a 17.74% reduction in MM, going from 225.18 g/kg DM
Agronomy 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 18 of 27
(0 Mg/ha) to 159.9 g/kg DM (45 Mg/ha) (Figure 10A). Quadratic effects were also observed
for NDF (Figure 10B), HEM (Figure 10C), LIG (Figure 10D) and FC (Figure 10E), with the
highest concentrations of these components for the application of 30 Mg/ha of organic
DM), withofan21.05%
fertilizer, with increases increaseNDF,
of 25.64% MMHEM,
25.97% in this treatment
29.90% LIGcompared to the control
and 23.07% FC in depth
this (0%
ETo) (Figure 9A). A quadratic effect was also observed for the contents of NDF (p < 0.001),
treatment compared to the control treatment (0% ETo).
NDFap (p < 0.001), HEM (p < 0.001), and FC (p < 0.001), with higher values of these com-
For the variables NDFap, ADF and CEL, the application of 45 Mg/ha of organic fertil-
ponents in the with the use of the 37.5% ETo brackish water depth, with 264.65 g/kg for
izer increased theNDF NDFap (Figure
(p = 0.001; 10F),
Figure ADF
9B), (Figure
239.28 10G)
g/kg MS forand CEL(p(Figure
NDFap = 0.001; 10H)
Figureby 23.07%,
9C), 172.15 g/kg
15.30% and 15.19%, in relation
for HEM to the
(p = 0.001; treatment
Figure 9D) and without
238.58 g/kgapplication of organic
for FC (p = 0.001; Figurefertilizer.
9E).
(A) (B)
(C) (D)
(E) (F)
(A) (B)
(C) (D)
(E) (F)
(G) (H)
Figure 10.
Figure 10. Effect of organic Effect oflevels
fertilizer organic
on fertilizer
mineral levels
matteron(MM)
mineral
(A),matter (MM)
neutral (A), neutral
detergent fiberdetergent
(NDF) fiber
(NDF) (B), hemicellulose (HEM) (C), lignin (LIG) (D), fibrous carbohydrates (FC) (E), neutral
(B), hemicellulose (HEM) (C), lignin (LIG) (D), fibrous carbohydrates (FC) (E), neutral detergent
fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) (F), acid detergent fiber (ADF) (G) and cellulose (CEL)
(H) from cactus pear in a semiarid region (* indicates the determination coefficient).
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 17 of 23
Table 5. Effect of irrigation depths and organic fertilizer doses on the chemical composition and
in vitro digestibility of cactus pear in the semiarid region.
4. Discussion
Most previous studies on the production of cactus pear irrigated with brackish water
and fertilized with doses of organic matter focus on shorter production cycles, not repre-
senting the effects of irrigation with brackish water on cactus pear in longer production
cycles (18–24 months), such as those used by rural producers in semiarid regions. Just as
previous studies use lower doses of organic matter to remedy the effects of using smaller
depths of brackish water. Given the above, we observed that the increase in organic mat-
ter by up to 45 ton/ha increases production and water use efficiency and improves the
chemical-bromatological composition of cactus pear cultivated in the semiarid region in an
eighteen-month production cycle.
The contribution of organic fertilizer to the morphological and productive character-
istics of cactus pear resides in the fact that the doses of organic fertilizer provide greater
accumulation of nutrients and, consequently, in the occurrence of taller and more developed
plants. According to Lédo et al. [52], fertilization with a higher supply of nutrients, mainly
N, promotes better plant growth. The slow availability of nutrients applied via manure to
the soil is sufficient to meet the needs of the plant throughout its development [53].
The greater PW compared to PH observed here is due to the structure of the cladodes,
as plants with larger cladodes can invest in lateral growth, due to their structural shape [7].
Cactus pear genotypes that have larger plant width, as is the case in the studied genotype,
cultivation using larger spacing between plants is recommended, due to competition for
water, light and nutrients, in addition to facilitating crop treatment and harvesting [54].
Plants that received 45 Mg/ha of OF developed a greater number of total cladodes,
as well as among the orders, which may be associated with the composition of the ap-
plied organic fertilizer, which has nitrogen and phosphorus contents of 9.3 g/kg and
355.39 mg/dm3 ), respectively. N favors the emergence of cladodes because it is a nu-
trient that stimulates plant cell division [55] and P accelerates root formation and plant
growth [56]. Second-order cladodes were found in greater numbers in this study. This
higher number possibly occurred due to the increase in the number of halos in the plant
with the emergence of primary cladodes. These structures are equivalent to axillary buds,
and under appropriate environmental conditions they can give rise to new cladodes [57,58].
Corroborating our findings, Barbosa et al. [59] also found a higher number of second-
order cladodes for the Orelha de elefante mexicana. The authors mention that second-order
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 18 of 23
cladodes are those in greater number in the OEM clone, contributing to the final crop yield,
given that the higher number of cladodes per unit area tends to increase CO2 uptake and
maximize productivity [60].
Both the knowledge of the total number of cladodes in cactus pear and the number
of cladodes per order are of great morphophysiological importance. According to Pin-
heiro et al. [61], studies on correlations between the cladode area index and morphogenic
and productive characteristics of cactus pear, TNC is the characteristic with the highest
correlation with cactus pear yield, followed by the height and width of the plant.
Another important point of the TNC, from a technical point of view, is the fact that
cactus pear is normally propagated by vegetative parts (whole cladodes) [58]. Varieties
with a higher number of cladodes would be easier to replicate in the process of multiplying
seedlings of varieties and/or clones produced by breeding programs [62].
Greater lengths obtained in first- and second-order cladodes with the use of 45 Mg/ha
OF were due to the greater accumulation of water in this treatment because, according
to Pereira et al. [63], cladode growth is more related to the water status of the plant,
and organic fertilization promotes soil improvements, such as water retention [64]; thus,
under ideal soil moisture conditions, cactus pear stores more water in the parenchymal
tissue [2,65].
Cladode thickness was reduced according to the order of emergence. This was also
reported by Pereira et al. [63], who state that the more advanced the maturity stage of the
cladodes, the greater their thickness. Older cladodes have the function of supplying and
transporting water, nutrients and organic substances required for plant maintenance [66,67].
According to Silva et al. [68], characteristics such as the number and thickness of cladodes
can serve as a basis for selecting accessions with good productive characteristics, according
to the management adopted.
The improvements in the physical and chemical properties of the soil, promoted
by organic fertilization, in addition to the greater availability of nutrients for the plants,
resulted in an increase in GMP and DMP. This is a reflection of the greater responses
obtained for PH, PH, number, width and length of cladodes according to the levels of OF
applied, considering that these variables presented better results with the use of 45 Mg/ha
OF. According to Edvan et al. [7], the characteristics of plant height and width, as well as
the number, length, width and thickness of cladodes, directly influence GMP and DMP.
Cactus pear has an efficient and specific physiological mechanism in the uptake
of nutrients and water use. As a result, when there is abundant water and nutrient
availability, associated with fertilization, it may contribute to the growth and development
of cladodes [69,70], increasing the productivity of green and dry matter.
WUE_DM for cactus pear decreased with increasing levels of ID applied, possibly
due to its age, since according to Snyman [71], WUE is higher in longer cycles (third and
fourth years), in relation to shorter cycles, as the cycle of the present study (18 months). So,
possibly because cactus pear is highly efficient in water use, the available water volume,
when irrigated at the highest frequencies, was above the necessary level for maximum dry
matter fixation.
Another speculative fact that may have reduced the WUE_DM of cactus pear with
increasing ID may be due to changes in the metabolism of cactus pear because, when cactus
pear is under adequate water supply, its crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) becomes
facultative, and the plant starts to have a photosynthetic metabolism similar to C3 plants,
managing to fix CO2 during the day, thus reducing its efficiency in water use. Nevertheless,
the potential of CAM on cactus pear WUE has not yet been sufficiently explored, requiring
further studies [72].
The WUE of cactus pear is up to 11 times higher than that observed in C3 plants,
showing its prominence in relation to any other forage [73]. According to Sá et al. [74],
irrigation management can be an important strategy for greater production during dry
periods; however, low amounts of water, uniformly distributed as in this experiment, are
sufficient to keep the cladodes turgid. Besides that, cactus pear Orelha de elefante mexicana
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 19 of 23
is a variety that stands out in terms of WUE, considering the GMP, as it is more efficient in
the use of water retained in the plant [10]. As a result, the Mexican elephant ear cultivar
has a greater ability to adapt to water deficit conditions [63].
The increase in the WUE_DM of cactus pear according to OF levels is linked to the
ability of OF to increase soil water retention, resulting in less evaporation and better water
use in the system [4]. This also justifies the behavior of the plant GMP, since the greater
the biomass production, the more efficient the cladodes were in terms of their ability to
store water.
The highest content of MM in the treatments that received water via irrigation, com-
pared to ID 0% ETo, demonstrates the uptake and accumulation of minerals by cactus pear,
according to the concentration of salts in water applied. Thus, the application of OF levels
combined with irrigation with brackish water could reduce the load of salts present in the
water, which the plants could absorb. The results observed for mineral content in this study
are above the findings by Araújo Junior et al. [20], for Orelha de elefante Mexicana grown
under irrigation with saline water (150 g/kg).
Higher percentages of NDF, NDFap, HEM and FC observed in the ID 37.5% ETo
and with the use of 30 Mg/ha OF can be attributed to a greater allocation and uptake of
nutrients and minerals by the plants, since they are cofactors of growth and differentiation
of plant cells [75]. The highest concentration of ADF with the application of 45 Mg/ha
organic fertilizer is possibly related to greater plant development, since the higher the levels
of organic fertilizer applied, the greater the mean values for plant height, and consequently
the greater development of structural tissues in lower cladodes, thus providing better
support for the following orders of cladodes [76] and thereby avoiding possible problems
with plant bedding.
Despite the increase in CEL and LIG, their concentrations were low compared to the
values found by Pessoa et al. [77], with an average of 143.13 and 4.91 g/kg DM, for CEL
and LIG, respectively, among the cladodes of the cactus pear Orelha de Elefante Mexicana
without application of fertilization. This result may possibly be related to fertilization,
given that organic fertilization induces plant growth, promoting the emergence of new
cladodes [78], which are more tender, with a lower concentration of lignin [79]. This is
beneficial for ruminant feeding, as lignin is a constituent of the plant cell with low or no
digestibility, acting as a physical barrier to microbial enzymes [80].
The reduction in the CP content with increasing ID can be explained by the fact that
forage plants, in general, under saline stress, suffer declines in gas exchange, photosyn-
thetic efficiency, carbohydrate and protein production. Under conditions of salt stress, the
processes of uptake, transport, assimilation and distribution of nutrients, in plants, can be
negatively affected [81], including nitrogen.
Under saline stress, the activity of nitrate reductase may decrease [82] and, as this
enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the first step of nitrate assimilation, a reduction in its
activity implies less assimilation of nitrogen by the plant [83] and consequently lower CP
content. Araújo Junior et al. [20] applied different irrigation depths using saline water in
cactus pear, and reported CP values ranging from 35.8 to 42.1 g/kg DM, lower than our
findings (48.62–58.1 g/kg DM).
Crude protein values were below the minimum required to ensure adequate ruminal
fermentation, which is 70 g/kg according to Van Soest [84], requiring nutritional supple-
mentation when cactus pear is used in ruminant diets.
As irrigation was used, the content of TC and NFC decreased, thus reflecting on the
digestibility result, which also decreased with increasing irrigation depths. According to
Sapes et al. [85], plants under stress conditions present a reduction in carbohydrate content
due to lower CO2 assimilation and greater mobilization of reserves directed towards growth
and maintenance.
The decrease in IVDMS with increasing ID is a result of the increase in NDF content
and the decrease in TC and NFC with increasing irrigation depths. According to Cavalcante
et al. [86], the high proportions of carbohydrates, mainly non-fiber carbohydrates, in general,
Agronomy 2024, 14, 2366 20 of 23
increase the digestibility of cactus pear. This is because they are readily degraded in the
rumen, quickly disappearing, and increase energy supply, favoring microbial growth and,
consequently, digestion.
5. Conclusions
The morphological characteristics of cactus pear are increased with the use of organic
fertilizer, in which the application of organic fertilizer by up to 45 Mg/ha increases the
production and efficiency of water use in cactus pear grown in the semiarid region. The
content of CP, TC, NFC, as well as the IVDMD are favored by the application of lower depths
of brackish water and levels of organic fertilizer in the semiarid region. The increment
of organic fertilizer of up to 45 Mg/ha associated with the use of lower brackish water
levels are recommended for the cultivation of Orelha de elefante mexicana cultivated in the
semiarid region.
Further studies evaluating the morphological, productive, nutritional characteristics
and water use efficiency with organic fertilizer doses and reduced brackish water levels
are necessary and pertinent to the maximization of forage production and efficient use of
natural resources in the semiarid region.
Author Contributions: D.B.d.N., G.F.d.O., A.d.M., C.d.A.A., R.T.d.A.S. and F.S.C.: Conceptual-
ization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Visualization and Validation;
G.G.L.d.A., A.L.R.M., T.G.F.d.S., A.T.d.R. and S.H.N.T.: Conceptualization, Project administration,
and Supervision; H.d.J.N.—Data curation and Formal analysis; D.B.d.N. and G.C.G.: Investigation,
Writing—original draft, Writing—review and editing. All authors have read and agreed to the
published version of the manuscript.
Funding: Thanks go to the external funding from the National Council for Scientific and 429 Tech-
nological Development (CNPq), with process Number 435819/2018-6 and The APC was funded by
National Council for Scientific and Technological Development Productivity Scholarship (CNPq)
grant number 315285/2021-4.
Data Availability Statement: Further information on the data and methodologies will be made
available by the author for correspondence, as requested.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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