Efecto del mantillo de cáscara de arroz y carbón vegetal en la fisiología del cultivo de maracuyá y su impacto en la nutrición del suelo en época de secano

Abstract

The passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is an economically and socially significant crop in tropical regions, facing sustainability challenges in rainfed production systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rice husk mulch and biochar on the physiology of passion fruit cultivation and its impact on soil nutrition during the dry season. The research was conducted in the Santa Rita parish, Chone canton, from April to December 2023, following a randomized block experimental design with four treatments and four replications. Key variables measured included the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll index, and macro- and micronutrient concentrations in the soil. The results showed that the combined treatment of 1 kg of biochar and 2 kg of rice husk significantly improved photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm > 0.81) and quantum yield (YII > 0.83 µmol m² s⁻¹), in addition to maintaining chlorophyll indices above 50 SPAD. Regarding soil properties, an increase in the availability of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium was observed, along with pH optimization, reaching values close to 6.3 in biochar-amended treatments. These findings highlight the effectiveness of soil amendments in enhancing soil fertility and promoting the sustainability of passion fruit cultivation. The combined use of biochar and rice husk represents a viable strategy to improve productivity and sustainability in rainfed passion fruit production systems.