PURSLANE (Portulaca oleracea L.) RESPONSE TO NPK FERTILIZATION

Abstract

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) production in Mexico is carried out under field conditions and there are no studies on NPK fertilization doses that maximize foliage yield. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of fertilization with N, P and K over purslane production, as well as to determine the optimal economic dose. The study was performed under field conditions and four doses of N (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg N ha^-1), P (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1) and K (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1), were applied in a randomized complete blocks design with four replications. Traits evaluated were plant height, N and nitrates concentration and yield on three commercial harvest dates (27, 34 y 42 days after emergence). Height and yield increased by the applied N and the harvest date. Variation was observed on seed germination with plant densities of 1100 to 2500 plants m^-2 that affected the yield. No effect was observed for the applied P and K. The greatest yield was with 100 kg N ha^-1 and 2500 plants m^-2 at the first, second and third harvests (60, 97 and 132 t ha^-1, respectively). The applied N and P increased the concentration of N and nitrates, however, this is not greater than the amount allowed for fresh consumption. The economical optimal dose of N was estimated at 65 kg N ha^-1 and 2500 plants m^-2 in the three harvests, with foliage yields of 58, 95 and 130 t ha^-1, and net income of 30338, 67828 and 102440 Mexican pesos per hectare, for the three harvests, respectively. Results indicate the dose of N that maximizes foliage yield and economic benefits.