Studies of the Effect Organ-mineral Fertilizers on the Quality of Nitisol and Coffee Yield

Abstract

Organ-mineral fertilizers can improve soil quality and increase crop yields. The present research was carried out in a Nitisol located in Topes de Collantes, from the municipality of Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus province, Cuba, with the objective of evaluating the effects of organ- mineral fertilizers on soil quality and its impact on coffee yield. Three experiments were carried out with organic fertilizers and natural minerals: organic fertilizers (residues from the moist coffee benefit, compost) natural minerals (phosphate limestone, dolomitic limestone). Two of these experiments were conducted under semi-controlled conditions, and one of them was a field experiment. Organic waste levels and combinations of organic waste with natural minerals were evaluated by random block design. The field experiment was conducted for 3 years in a coffee plantation. The following indicators were evaluated: organic matter, phosphorus and assimilable potassium, pH, hydrolytic acidity, exchange acidity, exchangeable aluminum, permeability, stable aggregates, aggregation factor, dry weight and coffee yield. Main components and simple correlations analysis were used. Close relationships between physical and chemical properties and performance were obtained in both controlled and field conditions. The properties evaluated as soil quality indicators are organic matter, degree of aggregation, assimilable phosphorus, pH, and change acidity.