Fertilizer management of `Queen' pineapple
2000
Obrero, I.Q.
The study was conducted to test the response of `Queen' pineapple to higher fertilization level compared with the existing farmers' practice from 1996 to 1999 in three locations in Camarines Norte [Philippines]. The treatment used were: farmers' practice using 5.2 bags complete (14-14-14) fertilizer per hectare with two split applications; recommendations based on the Philippines Recommends for Pineapple (1977) using 16-20 bags complete fertilizer applied four times; and commercial practice of multinationals using more than 50 bags complete fertilizer per hectare applied six times. Results showed that fertilizer management practices significantly affected plant stand, fruit size, and the production of suckers. However, no effect was noted on fruit quality such as total soluble solids (TSS) and sugar content. Fertilizer level based on Philippines Recommends has resulted to fruits comparable in size (34.65 cm) to commercial practice (34.87 cm). Economic performance showed that increase in fertilizer level application was proven to increase productivity. However, acceptability will depend on whether the farmers could afford the increase in investment. Increasing fertilizer level from farmers' practice to Philippines Recommends practice requires an additional cost of P4,470 per hectare or 106% higher than the present cost. Much more, an increase from Philippines Recommends practice to commercial practice requires additional P11,521 per hectare or 132% in investment cost
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