Effect of applying organic fertilizers on pitahaya (Selenicereus megalanthus) cultivation
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Pitahaya producers are seeking alternatives to increase their production and reduce costs while ensuring quality. That is why this research aimed to evaluate the effect of applying organic fertilizers on the agronomic development of pitahaya (Selenicereus megalanthus) crops. The research was conducted in the Pedro Vicente Maldonado canton, Pichincha province, Ecuador. Four treatments were evaluated: T1: Control (conventional fertilization); T2: Terrabiol® 2 (10-10-10); T3: Terrabiol® 3 (10-10-20); and T4: Terrabiol® 4 (20-20-20). The results showed that T4 produced a significant increase in the number and length of shoots, as well as an acceleration in flower opening. In addition, it promotes greater production of flower buds, flowers, and fruits per plant, which contributes to an increase in the percentage of flowering and fruiting. The economic analysis revealed that T4 is highly feasible, given its greater increase in yield compared to the control treatment (T1), along with a considerable net income of $13,054.72, a benefit/cost (B/C) ratio of 1.23, and a profitability of 22.93%.
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