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Effect of silicon in Taro crop (Colocasia esculenta) in combination with two levels of organic matter

Abstract:

This study evaluated the effect of applying two levels of organic matter in combination with four doses of silicon (5 kg/ha, 10 kg/ha, 15 kg/ha and 20 kg/ha), in the cultivation of Taro in Pastaza province, Ecuador. "Bokashi" Organic Fertilizer (40 and 60 t/ha) was used. It was prepared by using local materials, which underwent continuous process of decomposition and removal. A randomized block design was used in factorial arrangement 2×4+1; with three repetitions, for a total of 27 experimental units. The total area was 610 m2; each experimental unit had an area of 15.6 m2 (5.2 m × 3 m). The best yields were obtained with applications of 40 t/ha of organic fertilizer with 10 and 5 kg/ha of silicon, resulting in 21 and 19.7 t/ha of Taro potato, respectively. On the other hand, the control treatment had a yield of only 3.32 t/ha. In conclusion, the treatments with organic fertilizer and silicon, obtained an average yield of 18.77 t/ha, equivalent to 5.65 times or 565.4% higher than the control. This indicates a huge difference in yield as a result of organic matter, which influenced in the quantity and quality of the product. Moreover, this treatment shows physical, chemical and biological benefits to soil properties.