Abstract
ABSTRACT Fertilization is important for the optimization of plant growth and yield, which are necessary for agronomic activities. Soil fertilization should increase net earnings that depend on nutrient use efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of eggplant under different doses of potassium (K) and nitrogen (N). Four levels of K (0, 54, 108, and 216 kg ha-1) and four levels of N (0, 67, 134, and 268 kg ha-1) were applied weekly by fertigation. The highest plant and the largest stem diameter were found with 165-175 kg ha-1 of N. Leaf area was more influenced by N than by K. Isolated application of different K doses did not statistically influence height plant, stem diameter, or leaf dry matter. The agronomic efficiency of nitrogen is reduced with increasing levels of N and K.
Highlights
MATERIAL AND METHODSEggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable in Brazil and worldwide and belongs to the Solanaceae family (SILVA et al, 2015)
Particle size was analyzed as described by Ferrari et al (2014), and the results showed that the texture was sandy (190, 30, and 780 g kg-1 clay, silt, and sand)
High K doses reduced the leaf area (LA) in the data best fitted to the quadratic equation
Summary
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable in Brazil and worldwide and belongs to the Solanaceae family (SILVA et al, 2015). It has been cultivated in protected environments as a strategy for horticulturists to increase competitiveness, resulting in larger products that can be harvested continuously (MARQUES et al, 2011). N fertilization increases the growth and yield of eggplant due to the effects of the nutrient on carbohydrate influx and the synthesis of regulators in growing plants (AMINIFARD et al, 2010). Azarpour et al (2012) observed increased eggplant production with N application. Aminifard et al (2010) reported that 100 kg ha-1 of N resulted in the highest fruit yield of eggplant
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