EFFECT OF PLANTING DENSITY AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZER DOSAGE ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF GARLIC VARIETY TON8 (Allium sativum L.) IN THE SOUTH CENTRAL COASTAL REGION

Abstract

Research the effects of planting density and potassium fertilizer dosage to determine the optimal factors for growth, yield and economic efficiency of TON8 garlic variety in the South Central Coast region. The experiment was conducted in Ninh Thuan, Khanh Hoa and Quang Ngai provinces including 2 factors arranged in the main plot and sub-plot design with 3 replications, with the main factor being 3 density levels (1.111.000 plants/ha; 952.000 plants/ha and 833.000 plants/ha), and the secondary factor being 4 potassium levels (90 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, 110 kg/ha and 120 kg/ha). The results showed that different planting densities and potassium fertilizer doses affected the growth, development, yield and pest resistance of the TON8 garlic variety. Plant height, bulb diameter, bulb weight and yield were highest when planted at a density of 1.111.000 plants/ha and applied potassium fertilizer at a dose of 120 kg/ha. In the experimental formulas, the formula of planting at a density of 833.000 plants/ha combined with 110 kg/ha and 120 kg/ha of potassium gave the largest bulb mass (average 20.2g). Meanwhile, planting at a density of 1.111.000 plants/ha combined with 120 kg/ha of potassium gave the highest yield (average 12.6 tons/ha). However, in terms of profit margin, it shows that planting at a density of 952.000 plants/ha combined with a potassium fertilizer dose of 120 kg/ha gives the highest return on sales (1.07). Therefore, for the TON8 garlic variety, to achieve the highest economic efficiency and save on seed purchase costs, it is recommended to plant at a density of 952.000 plants/ha combined with potassium fertilizer at a dose of 120 kg/ha.