Productivity and nutrient levels in cladodes of red pitaya using organic fertilizer and calcified seaweed

Abstract

The search for alternative sources of nutrients to fruit crops has increased due to rising price of fertilizers in recent years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity and the nutrient levels in the cladodes of red pitaya (Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose) using organic fertilizer and calcified seaweed. The experimental design was randomized blocks with treatments consisting of eight fertilizations: control, cattle manure, chicken manure, calcified seaweed, cattle manure + chicken manure, cattle manure + calcified seaweed, chicken manure + calcified seaweed and cattle manure + chicken manure + calcified seaweed, applied every three months, with three replications and plot consisted of four plants. In each application 14 kg of cattle manure, 4 kg of chicken manure and 35 g of calcified seaweed per plant were added according to the treatments used. The organic fertilization showed the highest yield and productivity of red pitaya. Higher levels of nutrients were found in cladodes of red pitaya with organic fertilizer.