Productive Potassium: Do K fertilisers increase pumpkin yields in Carnarvon? Evidence suggests they do.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 2023
Journal Title
WA Grower
Disciplines
Agriculture | Food Science | Horticulture | Plant Sciences
Abstract
The alluvial soils in Carnarvon are well-drained and loamy, and have a high natural fertility. The region has low rainfall with a warm semi-arid climate and a reliable irrigation supply. This makes it well-suited to growing a wide range of horticultural crops. There are about 170 horticultural properties in the area that produce various vegetable crops, such as tomato, capsicum, eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin and fruit crops, with an average gross value more than $110 million per annum. Previous studies on vegetables conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Carnarvon Research Station showed that nitrogen was the only yield-limiting factor, with occasional trace element deficiencies. However, local growers have been applying a range of potassium (K) fertilisers, often at high rates, regardless of high K in the soil and irrigation water.
Recommended Citation
Nguyen, G N.
(2023), Productive Potassium: Do K fertilisers increase pumpkin yields in Carnarvon? Evidence suggests they do.. WA Grower, 58 (02), 32-33.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/hc_researchart/7
