Technical evaluation of the fertilization of flue cured tobacco farming in Campoalegre and Garzon, Huila

Abstract

Agricultural production changes constantly and producers have to be able to use resources more efficiently to obtain a greater yield and improve quality at the lowest possible cost. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to carry out a technical evaluation of the fertilization programs for flue-cured tobacco farming in the municipalities of Campoalegre and Garzon, located in the department of Huila, Colombia. Seven treatments, corresponding to six fertilization alternatives (three dosages and two application sources) and the conventional treatment carried out by producers (the control) were evaluated. When the leaves reached ripeness for harvest, they were harvested, cured and later classified and weighed to measure the yield and the quality obtained from the treatments. For the technical and economic analysis, the yield, fertilization cost, net and gross income, and the purchase quality were taken into account. The municipality of Campoalegre showed a greater average yield (3,080 kg ha-1) over Garzon (2,640 kg ha-1). For both municipalities, the highest costs were experienced with the 150% fertilization treatment and the use of ammonium sulphate (AMS). For Campoalegre, the greatest yield was obtained without the use of ammonium sulphate at all three dosages. In Garzon, the greatest yield was obtained with the 100% dosage with or without the use of AMS and the conventional treatment carried out by the producers. The best cost-benefit ratio in Campoalegre was obtained with the 50% dosage of fertilization recommended without use of AMS and, in Garzon, it was obtained with the conventional treatment.