Effect of leaf spray of homeopathic preparations of Natrum muriaticum and shell lime on the mineral composition of onion bulbs in an organic system

Abstract

The objectve of this research was to evaluate the mineral compositon of onion bulbs subjected to spray of homeopathic preparations of shell lime 6CH, Natrum muriaticum 12CH, and the associaton of these preparations, in an organic crop system. The experiment was carried out at Ituporanga’s Experiment Staton of Epagri (Agricultural Research and
Rural Extension Service Agency of Santa Catarina State), in Ituporanga, SC, Brazil. The transplantng was made on August 17, 2010, and the harvest on November 30, 2010. The cultivar used was Epagri 362 Crioula Alto Vale. The treatments were the homeopathic preparations of shell lime 6CH (sixth centesimal hahnemannian diluton), Natrum muriaticum 12CH (twelfh centesimal hahnemannian dilution), the association of these preparations, and the untreated check. The homeopathic
preparations were sprayed with water at 0.5%. The levels of nutrients in the bulbs were in this order: K > P > Ca > Na > Si > Fe
> Se. The homeopathic preparations of shell lime 6CH and the untreated check incremented levels of Se, which is considered important in onion to human health, and of Ca. Natrum muriaticum 12CH had superior levels of P, Fe, Si and K. The association shell lime 6CH and Natrum muriaticum 12CH reduced the level of nutrients.