EFFECT OF SILICON IN TARO CROP (COLOCASIA ESCULENTA) IN COMBINATION WITH TWO LEVELS OF ORGANIC MATTEREMILIO BASANTES MORALES, MÓNICA PEÑAFIEL, MARCO BARAHONA, GOOTY JAFFER MOHIDDIN, ALEXANDRA E. CUAYCAL AMD SANTIAGO BASANTES AGUASAbstract This study evaluated the effect of applying two levels of organic matter in combination with four doses of silicon (5 kg/ha, 10 kg/ha, 15 kg/ha and 20 kg/ha), in the cultivation of Taro in Pastaza province, Ecuador. “Bokashi” Organic Fertilizer (40 and 60 t/ha) was used. It was prepared using local materials, which underwent continuous process of decomposition and removal. A randomized block design was used in factorial arrangement 2x4+1; with three repetitions, for a total of 27 experimental units. The total area was 610 m2; each experimental unit had an area of 15.6 m2 (5.2 m x 3 m). The best yields were obtained with applications of 40 t/ha of organic fertilizer with 10 and 5 kg/ha of silicon, resulting in 21 and 19.7 t/ha of Taro potato, respectively. On the other hand, the control treatment had a yield of only 3.32 t/ha. In conclusion, the treatments with organic fertilizer and silicon, obtained an average yield of 18.77 t/ha, equivalent to 5.65 times or 565.4% higher than the control. This indicates a huge difference in yield as a result of organic matter, which influenced in the quantity and quality of the product. Moreover, this treatment shows physical, chemical and biological benefits to soil properties.
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