Integrated soil management to improve crop production of Elaeis guineensis (african palm) in three farms in Quinindé, Ecuador

Abstract

I
n Ecuador, the Quininde and Puerto Quito sectors
are recognized for their high production of Elaeis
guineensis (African or oil palm) as a contribution to the
socioeconomic development of the region. However,
the soils are acidic, the climate is humid with heavy
rainfalls, which causes the removal of nutrients from the
soil and heavy metals, limiting the proper development
of the crops in their early stages of growth. The aim of
this work was to evaluate the effect of integrated soil
management on the production of Elaeis guineensis
cultivation at three farms, Nueva Esperanza, El Recreo
and La Comuna. Amendments were applied, 20%
magnesite, 2 kg around the crown in each plant with
a diameter of 1.80 m, in the root area, in addition to
beneficial microorganisms Bacthon, Tricho-D and
Micosplag and the total production and performance
was evaluated during the years 2014, 2015 and 2016,
compared to the year 2013 where no type of soil fertility
management was performed. The results indicated that
integrated soil management was a feasible alternative to
improve the yields of this important crop. By applying
efficient amendments and microorganisms, the edaphic
properties and therefore the production and yield
of Elaeis guineensis were improved. Differences in
production levels and yields at farm level were verified,
resulting in El Recreo and La Comuna with higher and
similar values and Nueva Esperanza with lower results,
attributed to the ecological characteristics of the area