Producción y calidad de la biomasa de morera (Morus alba) fertilizada con diferentes abonos

Abstract

A study was conducted at the "Alfredo Volio Mata" experimental station of the University of Costa Rica in order to evaluate the effect of applications of 150 kg N/ha per year from two organic fertilizers: vermicompost and compost; and from one chemical fertilizer, on white mulberry production and quality. The experimental period was 12 months, from July 2003 to July 2004. A 12-year-old mulberry plantation planted at spacings of 0.9 × 0.40 m (27777 plants/ha) was utilized in a randomized block design with four treatments: two organic fertilizers, ammonium nitrate (33.5% N), and a control. All plots were uniformly pruned at 0.6 m from the ground at the beginning of the trial. During the experimental period, plants were pruned consecutively every 90 days. Leaves and stems were separated and analyzed for dry matter and crude protein content. Dry matter production was 23% higher for the chemical fertilizer. Crude protein content was also significantly higher for the chemical nitrogen, while dry matter content was lower. The amount of N in the soil was sufficiently high for the control treatment to yield white mulberry and crude protein levels similar to those of organic fertilizers. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]