Phosphorus Deficiency in Tropical Dry Bean Production: An Approach through Foliar Fertilization

摘要

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a primary constraint to bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production in the tropics. The authors investigated the merit of foliar P fertilization (applied as commercial grade ammonium polyphosphate) as a way of circumventing soil P fixation and increasing the efficiency of P fertilization. In field studies in Brazil the optimal concentration and timing of foliar P application was determined. The authors found that different bean genotypes were differentially sensitive to foliar P damage. Foliar P fertilization significantly enhanced vegetative growth of beans grown in the field. In greenhouse studies under controlled fertility conditions it was found that foliar P fertilization enhanced vegetative growth, particularly in marginal P conditions, by stimulating leaf area development. The authors conclude that foliar P fertilization is a promising new technology for marginal P soils of the tropics that warrants future investigation and development.