‘Pérola' pineapple production and quality as influenced by different planting densities and NPK fertilizing levels

Abstract

Low density, due to single row planting, and inadequate chemical fertilization are important factors responsibles for the insatisfactories pineapple yields and incomes in Bahia State plantations. Three spacings in double rows and three total levels for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were studied in a 3² factorial design, in Coração de Maria, major pineapple production area in Bahia State. Results obtained indicated that the level 1 of NPK fertilization, based upon soil analysis, was better than the levels 0 and 2 (double of 1). It was also showed that higher yields and incomes could be attained using double row planting system, without reducing spacing between plants in the row to less than 40 cm, but cultural methods must be adapted to those spacings.