Respuesta de la guanábana (VAR. Gigante) a la fertilización química y orgánica.

Abstract

The soursop (Annona muricata L.) is a tropical crop of growing importance in Ecuador due to its nutritional, medicinal, and commercial value. Its productive success depends on proper fertilization management. However, there is limited local research on its impact during the initial growth stage of the crop. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two types of fertilization (organic and chemical) on the growth of giant soursop, generating information for more sustainable and efficient management. The trial was conducted at the Río Suma experimental farm, applying five treatments (chemical and organic) in a completely randomized block design. Dependent variables such as plant height, stem diameter, and the number of branches were measured using specific tools and statistical analysis based on ANOVA and Tukey tests at a 95% confidence level. The results showed significant differences in plant height and stem diameter, with T1 (earthworm humus edafic) and T3 (chemical fertilizer 12-11-18) standing out as the most effective treatments. In contrast, the variable number of branches did not show statistical significance. The cost analysis revealed that while chemical fertilizer is more economical in the short term, earthworm humus provides long-term sustainable benefits by improving soil quality, making it a viable option for sustainable agricultural practices.