Improving phosphorus use efficiency for snap bean production by optimizing application rate

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is essential for crop production. Adequate application P rate is critical for enhancing productivity and profitability of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The goal of this study was to optimize P application rate for commercial snap bean production in south Florida. Six trials were conducted on sandy soils and muck soils in Hendry County and Palm Beach County, Florida, USA. Before planting cv. Caprice snap bean, plots were fertilized with different P application rates in the form of triple superphosphate (0-45-0). An increase in P 2 O 5 application rates up to 134 kg/ha P 2 O 5 significantly increased the marketable bean yields. However, beyond that point, significant field gains did not occur with further increased application. At 134 kg/ha P 2 O 5, bean appearance quality was the best compared to the other treatments. These results indicate that 134 kg/ha P 2 O 5 produced best bean appearance quality and was the optimum rate for commercial production of snap bean in high-pH soils in south Florida.