Effect of potassium chloride on salinity of soil with pepper culture (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

The effect of potassium chloride on the soil electric conductivity and salinity, in oxisol, with pepper culture Capsicum annuum (Solanaceae) in protected cultivation were evaluated after 34 weeks. KCl presented saline effect up to 40 cm of deep of soil. K was then applied in rates of 16.6 g.m-2, corresponding to rates which were higher than 4.4 mmolc dm^-3 and proportions over 5.0 % of potassium saturation in exchange. The rate of chloride in the fruits, leaves and steam increased according to KCl rates. Averages were 7680, 4400 and 5060 mg.kg^-1 respectively without any visible symptoms of toxicity in the leaves or any impairment in fruit production. KCl benefited Cl- concentration in the fruits at low N doses (13.3 g.m^-2). Greater contents of Cl were found in sweet pepper at the end of the cycle (average 70586 g.m^-2 or 87% of total). The least content of the nutrient occurred in the steam (11905 g.m^-2)