ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS L. YIELD UNDER THREE LEVELS OF POTASSIUM APPLIED ON A SALINE SOIL OF THE PERUVIAN COAST

Three levels of potassium (K) fertilization (190, 380, 570 kg K₂O ha^-1 year^-1) were evaluated in an asparagus plot in Huarmey Valley, Santa Rosita Farm under drip irrigation. Initial exchangeable K was between 0,13 and 0,16 cmol(+) kg^-1. 60% of K was applied for the first growth cycle and the remaining 40% K was applied for the second growth cycle. Harvest occurred after each growth cycle.
First harvest showed that increasing the dose of K the asparagus yield increased, but no significant differences were found. In the second harvest the highest yield was obtained with the lowest K level, followed by the highest level. The lowest yield was obtained with the K level the farm usually uses (380 kg K₂O ha^-1).