Short term effect of site-specific fertilization in rainfed ‘Kent’ and ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangos

Abstract

In the state of Nayarit, Mexico, there are no systematic fertilization studies on mango. This research aimed to evaluate the short-term effect (2010-2012) of site-specific fertilization (SSF) on tree growth yield and fruit size in rainfed 'Kent' and 'Tommy Atkins' mangos in Nayarit. For each cultivar two orchards were selected in soils of different type and fertility. The fertilization treatments were determined independently for each orchard and were: 1) normal dose for a 20 t ha-1 yield; 2) high dose, 1.5 times the normal dose; and 3) control, non-fertilized. In 2011 and 2012 foliar nutrient analyses were performed in summer ('Kent') and fall ('Tommy Atkins') f lush leaves and soil (2010, 2011 and 2012). Calcium was applied as gypsum or lime , according to the soil test. A completely randomized experimental design with 20 replicates (trees) per treatment and orchard was used. The SSF did not increase tree growth. The applied nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, B) only increased foliar concentrations of S, Mn and B ('Kent') and N, Fe, Zn and B ('Tommy Atkins'). In 'Kent' the highest fruit yield (138.2 kg∙tree-1) was obtained with the normal dose applied annually (as per orchard) per tree: 678-794 g N, 243-270 g P2O5, 259- 325gK2O,37-66gMg,12-47gFe,7-40gMn,5-6gZn and 9-17 g B. In 'Tommy Atkins' maximum yield (186.9 kg∙tree-1) corresponded to high dose: 548-604 g N, 219-328 g P2O5, 455-572 g K2O, 45-70 g Mg, 33-58 g Fe, 15-35 g Mn, 6-12 g Zn and 27-47 g B per tree.