Ginger response to nitrogen fertilization on Coto clay. (5060)
Authors:
J.A. Valle* - Univ. of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez.
M.A. Munoz - Univ. of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez C.A. Flores - Univ. of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez A.J. Beale - Univ. of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Abstract:
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a minor crop in Puerto Rico, grown mostly in the mountain region in small, diversified farms. Ginger can be grown in coastal areas where intensive management practices can be implemented to increase production and quality. A field experiment was established on Coto clay (Typic Eutrustox) to evaluate the effect of N fertilization on growth and performance of ginger.
Four N treatments (0, 90, 180 y 270 kg ha-1) were evaluated using a complete randomize block design, with four replications. Urea was the nitrogen source and it was applied by fertigation. One fourth of the fertilizer was applied at 2 months after planting and the remaining in two equal fertigations at 4 and 6 months. Potassium and P were applied at a rate of 180 kg ha-1. Foliar and rhizome samples were
collected on a monthly basis, beginning at two months after planting. Plant maturity and flowering were observed at six months after planting. Harvesting was performed at eight months after planting. The highest rhizome yield (68.9 t ha-1) was obtained with the application of 180 kg ha-1 of nitrogen. This treatment outyielded significantly the 0 N treatment. The 0, 90 and 270 kg ha-1 treatments yielded 47.7, 56.2 and 62.0 t ha-1, respectively. No significant differences were observed among these three
treatments.
Speaker Information: Juan Valle, Univ. of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez., University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez College of Agricultural Sciences PO Box 9032, Mayaguez, PR 00680; Phone: (787) 265-3899; E-mail:
Session Information: Tuesday, November 2, 2004, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Presentation Start: 1:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 2545)
Keywords: ginger root; nitrogen fertilization; fertigation; zingiber officinale
