Produtividade da batata-doce em função de doses de K2O em solo arenoso

The response of sweet potato Rainha Branca cv., cultivated under different K2O levels was evaluated. The experiment was carried out in randomized blocks design with four replications in a Quartz psamment soil at Universidade Federal da Paraiba, Paraiba State, Brazil, from July to November/2004. The K2O levels applied were 0; 50; 100; 150; 200 and 250 kg ha-1). The plots consisted of 48 plants, spaced of 0.80x0.30 m. The maximum estimated values, 14.8 and 8.4 t ha-1 of total and commercial roots yield, were obtained with 194 and 174 kg ha-1 of K2O, respectively. However, the most economic level of commercial roots yield (6.0 t ha-1) was reached using 163 kg ha-1 of K2O. The K2O levels resulting in maximum roots yield and economic return, were correlated respectively with 125 and 121 mg dm-3 of available K with Mehlich 1 extractor. The probability for sweet potato response under potassic fertilization in similar soils will be minimized if the level of available K in the soil were superior to 121 mg dm-3. For utilized soil in this study, 163 kg ha-1 of K2O can be recommended for sweet potato fertilization.