Response of phosphorus levels on okra planted in sandy soil

Abstract

The influence of phosphorus fertilization on yield of okra, cv. Santa Cruz was evaluated. The research was carried out in the experimental design of randomized blocks, with five treatments (0; 44; 88; 132 and 176 kg ha-1 of P), and four replications. The maximum number of fruits per plant (43) was obtained with the maximum level of 176 kg ha-1 of P. The estimated maximum yield of commercial fruits (38.6 t ha-1), was related to 139 kg ha-1 of P. The application of 137 kg ha-1 of P provided the highest economical income, yielding 38.3 t ha-1 of commercial fruits, with an increment of fruits of 17.4 t ha-1. The most economic level represented 98% of that responsible for the maximum yield, indicating that the okra responded economically to the use of P in sandy soil and, of the P level responsible for the maximum commercial yield of fruits were related to 40 mg dm-3 of available P in soil (Mehlich 1), and the level responsible for the highest economic income was related to 38 mg dm-3.

Abelmoschus esculentus; phosphated fertilization; Quartz psamment; economic income