A comparison between enriched organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer, and different methods of application in mangoes in relation to yield, quality and economics.
Goede P. B.
Author Affiliation: ATLAS Organiese Misstowwe, Posbus 251, Meyerton 1960, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 13 : 76-78
Abstract : Four-year-old mango cv. Tommy Atkins trees growing in a gravel soil, with flood irrigation, were supplied with inorganic or enriched organic fertilizers either as a single dose, after harvest, or as split doses with 2/3 being applied after harvest in Feb. and 1/3 after fruit set in Oct. In 1991 the total applications amounted to 182 g N, 12 g P and 119 g K/tree in each treatment. In 1992, 232 g N, 25 g P and 246 g K/tree were applied in total. The inorganic fertilizer was based on calcium ammonium nitrate, superphosphate and potassium chloride. In 1991 and 1992 total yields in t/ha and profit in R/ha were determined and were highest with split applications of enriched organic fertilizer. In the 2 years the profits realized were R?2000/ha and R?3550/ha higher, respectively, than those for the next best treatment, split applications of inorganic fertilizer. Fruit quality was assessed in 1992; it was found that application(s) of the enriched organic fertilizer resulted in a reduction in internal and external coloration, a lower pH, a higher TSS content, enhanced flavour and an increase in fruit size. There was also less variation in the leaf contents of major elements between the 2 years where organic fertilizer had been applied.