Efeito de adubação de fundo com npk (12-24-12) no desempenho agronómico de duas variedades da beringela (Solanum Melongena L.)

Eggplant plays a crucial role as a fruit vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions, with a significant increase in production in recent decades. As well as being an essential source of vitamins and minerals, it plays a vital role in generating income for small-scale farmers in Mozambique. Proper fertiliser application is essential to ensure healthy plant development. This study, conducted at the Umbeluzi Agricultural Station in the Boane region, investigated the effects of four levels of background fertilisation with NPK 12-24-12 (0 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg and 200 kg/ha) on two aubergine varieties (Black Beauty and Florida Market). The experiment used a randomised complete block design (DBC) in a subdivided plot arrangement, resulting in eight treatments. The variables evaluated included fruit length, diameter, total number of fruits and commercial yield at various harvests. The statistical analysis of the data, carried out using the SISVAR statistical package, included analysis of variance, Tukey's test to compare means at 5% probability and regression analysis to study the effect of the doses of NPK 12-24-12 fertiliser. The analysis of variance revealed independence of the factors for the variables analysed. The varieties factor had a significant effect on the fruit diameter, total number of fruits and yield variables, with the Black Beauty variety standing out in these variables. Background fertilisation had an additive effect on both the total number of fruits and the total yield. The maximum values were reached with the application of 200 kg/ha of NPK, with the regression model fitting in the order of 99.8% and 99.8%. The maximum values observed were approximately 40.67 fruits per hectare and 21.38 tonnes per hectare for the total number of fruits and total yield, respectively. The Black Beauty variety stood out with the highest average fruit diameter, total number of fruits and commercial yield when subjected to the 200 kg/ha dose of NPK. Therefore, based on the results obtained in this study, farmers are recommended to use 200 kg/ha of NPK 12-24-12 and the Black Beauty variety for profitable aubergine production.