Modelo de biofertilización de sustancias húmicas enriquecidas con potasio como alternativa a la fertilización química de un cultivo de Solanum Phureja

Abstract

In Colombia, the extraction and excessive use of coal has been crucial for its economy, due to its role as a source of energy for various industries. However, this exploitation has had negative impacts on the preservation of ecosystems (Tamborrel & Villareal, s.f). Therefore, it is essential to implement initiatives that promote a more sustainable use of coal. Several studies have highlighted the properties of charcoal and its derivatives as a fertilizer, especially the humic substances that compose it, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving soil quality and crop yields. Although chemical fertilization has been key in agriculture due to its capacity to enrich the soil and improve its productivity, its indiscriminate use has caused irreversible damage to water and soil resources, altering the pH and degrading soil structure (González, 2020). In light of these adverse effects associated with the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and charcoal mining, the present study sought to develop a controlled-release biofertilization model. This approach is based on the microencapsulation of humic substances extracted from charcoal, enriched with potassium, as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fertilization in the cultivation of Solanum phureja. The results obtained reveal that the controlled release biofertilization model, applied in a complete treatment, significantly outperforms the yields obtained in the control crops. Among the improvements observed were a greater number of tubers per plant, greater floral growth, greater plant height and an increase in total potato production in kilograms.