Comparative efficiency of selected phosphates as P-carriers for coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
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Date
1985
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Abstract
The results of a field experiment conducted for six years on laterite soil showed that single superphosphate, ammonium phosphate, nitrophosphate and rock phosphate had similar effects on the yield of nuts palm yr . However, when percentage yield increase over pretreatment yield was computed, rock phosphate proved best, followed by ammonium phosphate. Regression analysis revealed an optimum interaction between soil available P and leaf P for rock phosphate. The soil available P increased with the increase in the levels of P applied. Nitrophosphate increased the soil available P to a maximum, followed by ammonium phosphate, single superphosphate and rock phosphate. Fertilizer-P application generally reduced soil pH which was most marked with ammonium phosphate. The treatments showed marginal mobility of P to the subsoil which has been attributed to mechanical movement as a result of cultural operations in the coconut basin. Higher levels of applied P influenced the leaf P values which were not reflected in the yield. Costs of fertilizer indicated that rock phosphate as a P-carrier is cheapest.
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Keywords
P-carriers, coconut, Phosphate Fertilizer, Cocos nucifera (L.)
Citation
Trop. Agric. (Trinidad), Vol. 62, No. 1, January 1985