Balanced fertilization on mango in Southern China.
Zhou XiuChong, Liu GuoJian, Yao JianWu, Ai ShaoYing, Yao LiXian
Author Affiliation: Soil and Fertilizer Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
Better Crops International 15 : 16-20
Abstract : A study was conducted during 1997-99 in four orchards in Shenzhen and Sanshui cities (Guangdong, China) to study the effects of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sulfur fertilizers on the yield, quality and profitability of mangoes. Treatment with 400 N, 125 P, 320 K, 40 Mg and 80 S (in g/tree/year) was deemed the best treatment in terms of economics. It is recommended that growers use a balanced approach to fertilizer use that includes N, P, K, Mg and S in the Shenzhen and Sanshui mango-growing areas. This balance was achieved by applying urea, diammonium phosphate, muriate of potash (MOP) and potassium-magnesium phosphate (SPM). Seventy-five percent of the K was provided by MOP, while the remaining 25% of the required K and all Mg and S were supplied by SPM. Four-year average profitable yields of up to 15?200 kg/ha were produced upon treatment with: 400 N, 125 P, 440 K, 40 Mg and 80 S (in g/tree/year). Nutrient removal of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S by the fruit from a crop producing 15?000 kg/ha was measured at 22.4, 3.9, 37.1, 3.2, 3.0 and 2.3 kg/ha, respectively. Mango quality was also improved by the recommended application as measured by colour, fragrance and taste. Fruit weights were higher, with 14% solids, 9% soluble carbohydrate, 21 mg ascorbic acid/100 g, and 0.3% organic acids. The ratio of carbohydrate to acid was 30.