EFFECTS OF AMOUNTS OF COMPOST ON GROWTH AND PERFORMANCE OF CACTUS CROP (Opuntia ficus-indica L.), LAS ESQUINAS, CARAZO

Abstract

The pricklypear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) is a plant belonging to the Cactaceae family surviving in arid and semi-arid tropics. In Nicaragua, this species for its high genetic variability, possibilities of adaptation and for the low amount of water required is an alternative, especially in areas with gradual impoverishment of the soil. The lack of food for human and animals makes this crop an important plant to solve this deficit. This experiment was established on May 19, 2010 on the farm Ecolote Ave Maria, located in Las Esquinas, Carazo, at km 37 ½ Road Managua - San Marcos, Carazo. A randomized complete block Design (RCB) with four replications and six treatments were used. Treatments were 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 kg of compost per plant. The study area included 117 m2. The analysis of data of the study were carried out by means of Kruskal Wallis nonparametric test, which indicates that there are no statistical differences in any of the variables.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v12i19.1183

La Calera Revista Científica Vol. 12. Nº 19, p. 91-95 / diciembre 2012