Effects of Salt Farming Residual (Kee Dad Na Kluer) and Chemical Fertilizer Application on the Physicochemical Quality of Kimju Guava Fruit

Abstract

       Guava crops require large amounts of chemical fertilizer applied in fractions from planting until preharvest. Organic fertilization (Kee dad na kluer) is rarely used and little documented. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of organic (Kee dad na kluer) and chemical fertilizer on the post-harvest quality of fresh Kimju guava fruit. A randomized block design with six fertilization treatments (T1: control 0% fertilization; T2: chemical fertilization followed by farmer practice; T3: Kee dad na kluer 750 g/plant; T4: Kee dad na kluer 1,000 g/plant; T5: Kee dad na kluer 1,250 g/plant; and T6: Kee dad na kluer 1,500 g/plant). The best responses for fruit size and weight were those subjected to chemical fertilization, which promoted larger and heavier fruit accompanied by higher firmness. However, the average fruit weight of Kee dad na kluer applied at 1,250 and 1,500 g/plant was similar to that with conventional fertilization, which is classified in the same standard class. The application of Kee dad na kluer did not increase ascorbic acid and titratable acidity compared with chemical fertilization, but significantly enhanced the sweetness as a result of improving the total soluble solid applied at 1,500 g/plant.