Fertilización química para el cultivo de palma de aceite (elaeis guineensis jacq.) En Chiapas, Mexico

Because there is a limited knowledge about the nutrient needs of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) crop in northern Chiapas, México, the effect of different NPK fertilization treatments on yield and leaf concentration was evaluated in a commercial plantation of the DeliAvros hybrid, eight years old, established in Palenque, Chiapas. Through the San Cristóbal Model, 12 fertilization treatments were generated, which were tested under a completely random block design. The levels tested were N: 60, 90, 120, 150 kg ha1, P2O5: 30, 60, 90, 120 kg ha1 and K2O: 120, 180, 240, 300 kg ha1. The effects on the yields of fresh fruit clusters (FFC) and the leaf concentration of N, P and K, were evaluated for four cycles. The results showed that at the level of plot the FFC yield increased in the second year, going from 19.8 t ha1 to 40.8 t ha1, while in the third year it quadrupled, reaching 77.8 t ha1 of FFC. Although no statistical differences were found between the treatments tested, it is suggested to adopt the 60-90-120 NPK dose, since it is the one that satisfies crop’s demand at low cost, high FFC yields are obtained, and soil fertility is maintained. The leaf concentration of N, P and K did not show statistical differences between treatments, although increases were observed in the mean concentration at the level of plot, until reaching optimal levels.