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Optimal economic response of potassic fertilization on productive variables of banana (Musa spp.)

Abstract:

Banana (Musa spp.) is known for its high demand for nutrients, including potassium (K). An adequate supply of this macronutrient is essential to optimize the economic/productive balance of the crop. The objective of this study was to determine an optimal economic dose (DOE) based on an optimal fertilization dose (DOF) through increasing doses of K2O (0; 350; 525; 700 and 875 kg ha-1) in the form of potassium nitrate (KNO3 - 46% K2O). The experiment was conducted in two locations (La Primavera and El Guabo) of the province of El Oro, Ecuador. A randomized complete block experimental design was used, with five treatments and five replicates. The variables evaluated were: cluster weight (PR), productivity (Pt) and ratio (Rt). The results revealed a DOF of 584 and 575 kg ha-1 of K2O, for a Pt of 47.5 and 45,0 t ha-1 in La Primavera and El Guabo, respectively. The DOE allowed estimating that 94% of the income variation was caused by the variation in the marketing price of a box of bananas, while the effect of the different doses of K2O accounted for approximately 6% of the income variation.