Respuesta de la yuca a la aplicacion de fosforo

Cassava is among the food crops that tolerate soil acidity well; therefore, it is often planted on highly acid, unfertile soils without fertilization or liming. Nevertheless, cassava needs large quantities of P for maximum productivity. In fertilization trials at Carimagua (Llanos Orientales, Colombia), cassava responded positively to P2O5 applications (400 kg/ha). Rock phosphates are a good P source for cassava. The best time to apply P was at planting. Maximum yield and highest net income were obtained with 140 kg P2O5/ha and 180 kg K2O. At 2 sites in the state of Valle del Cauca, there was no response to P except when combined with a large amount of K. A highly promising alternative to the application of high quantities of P is the identification of cassava varieties tolerant to low P levels. CIAT germplasm material is now being evaluated for tolerance to P deficiency and Al toxicity. (AS-CIAT)