ISSN:
1573-0867
Keywords:
fertilizer
;
pineapple
;
production
;
tropical
;
soils
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract The investigation studied the optimal fertilizer rates and mixtures for maximum production of smooth cayenne pineapples in the tropical ferrallitic soil. Fertilized pineapples were significantly (P = 0.05) superior in growth and fruit yield to the unfertilized control. Nitrogen and potassium were the most critical nutrients. Nitrogen deficiency manifested within 6 months of planting as reduced, thorny and pink coloured leaves resulting in over 10 months delayed plant crop harvest and over 38% reduction in fruit yield. Less than 20% of pineapples which lacked nitrogen remained productive during the first ratoon crop. However, when nitrogen was increased twofold (100 to 200 kg/ha/year), the fruit of the plant crop doubled with 15-10% increased fruit lodging. Potassium significantly (P = 0.05) reduced fruit lodging and improved fruit yield and flavour. Nitrogen further enhanced the effective utilization of P and K for significant yield increases. Thus, the interaction between high nitrogen (200 kg/ha/year) and low phosphorus (50 kg/ha) or high potassium (200 kg/ha) respectively, significantly (P = 0.05) increased the yield of pineapples, while P and K interaction retarded growth, delayed crop maturity and reduced the fruit yield and quality. Pineapples which received fertilizer mixture of NPK 200-50-200 produced the highest and best quality fruits and was therefore recommended for optimum yield of pineapples in the tropical ferrallitic soils.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01048911
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