Economic profitability analysis of husk tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Hornem.) under different concentrations of silicon dioxide

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate doses of foliar and soil fertilization with silicon dioxide on the economic profitability of the cultivation of husk tomato cv. 'Querétaro' under plastic and macro-tunnel padding conditions.

Design/Methodology/Approach: 10 treatments were evaluated under different concentrations of silicon dioxide soil and foliar application: T1: Treatment control (T), T2: Fertilization with silicon dioxide 20, 40, 60 g to the soil and 100, 150 and 200 ppm foliar (S20/100F), T3: S20/150F, T4: S20/200F, T5: S40/100F, T6: S40/150F, T7: S40/200F, T8: S60/100F, T9: S60/150F and T10: S60/200, distributed in random blocks. Economic profitability indicators such as Benefit | Cost Ratio (B/C), Net Present Value (VAN) and Internal Rate of Return (TIR) were determined.

Results: The investigation established that S60/150F was the treatment with the highest economic profitability because it promoted the highest production per hectare, which was reflected in the VAN ($ 336,932.97 MN), the TIR (77.3 %) and a B/C of $ 1.16 MN. Also treatments S40/200F and S60/100F (where SiO2 was applied) presented positive cash flows unlike T.

Limitations of the study/implications: With all research laboratories closed as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, no evidence related to the contribution of foliar and soil silicon bioassay has been verified.

Findings/Conclusions: The use of SiO2 leads to an appreciable rebound in the financial aspect, being of vital importance to include economic studies to consummate an efficient management of the capital available to establish a crop whose productivity in the field is profitable for the producers.