Use of alternative fertilization in eggplant production

Abstract

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the vegetables that has gained prominence in production in recent years due to the demand for foods with nutraceutical properties. However, few studies have been developed evaluating the effects of the use of organic residues in the fertilization of this crop, with the potential to both increase its productivity and reduce environmental impacts. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of organic fertilization with cattle manure and pasture on the productivity of eggplant cv. Cica. The experimental design adopted was in randomized blocks, with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments consisted of 4 types of fertilization: T1, without fertilization (control); T2, bovine manure (20 t ha-1); T3, incorporated mulcher (8 t ha-1); and T4, mineral fertilization. There was a significant effect (p<0.05) of fertilization on plant height, stem diameter, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fresh fruit mass and on eggplant productivity. Fertilization with incorporated pasture vegetation did not increase productivity, while fertilization with bovine manure and mineral fertilization showed positive effects on the development and productivity of eggplant fruits. Bovine manure is a good alternative to replace mineral fertilizers in the production of eggplant cv. Ciça.