AVALIAÇÃO AGRONÔMICA E ECONÔMICA DO USO DE FERTILIZANTES POTÁSSICOS NA CULTURA DO MILHO

Abstract

The use of coated potassium chloride may provide greater absorption of this element resulting in the alteration of yield and productivity components. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic and economic efficiency of the use of conventional potassium chloride (KCl), potassium chloride coated with polymers (KRP) and the combination of both, in maize crop productivity. The experiment was carried out in Santa Rosa do Sul - SC, in a randomized block design with three replicates. The evaluated treatments were: Control (without potassium fertilization); 100% of the recommended dose of K as KCl; 100% of the recommended dose of K as KRP; Combination of 80% KCl and 20% KRP; Combination 60% KCl and 40% KRP; Combination of 40% KCl and 60% KRP. Fertilizers as well as their combinations did not affect leaf chlorophyll content, stem diameter, ear insertion height, yield components, yield or nutrient use efficiency in corn crop. However, it was found that the combination of 60% KCl and 40% KRP resulted in a higher gross profit margin.