This work evaluated the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilization on nutrient levels in the leaves of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) and on the chemical properties of the soil, in order to maximize yield and optimize fertilizer applications. The experiment was carried out from May/96 to April/98, on a Yellow Latosol, in Cruz das Almas city, State of Bahia, Brazil. It was used a randomized block design, in a fractionated factorial arrangement ½ of 4³, with two incompleted blocks. It was evaluated four doses of N (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 year-1), of P2O5 (0, 80, 160 and 240 kg ha-1 year-1) and K2O (100, 300, 500 and 700 kg ha-1 year-1). Soil samples and leaves were collected at 12 and 24 months after planting. Yield was evaluated in the first and second production years. Nitrogen fertilization did not affect the N level in the leaves but decreased boron and reduced the soil pH during the second production year. Phosphorus fertilization increased, in average, only 12% of the P levels in the leaves, and 35 times in soil. Potassium fertilization increased nutrient contents in leaves and in soil over the optimum level. Maximum yield of 22 t ha-1, during two years, was obtained with application of 244 kg of N, 72 kg of P2O5 and 285 kg of K2O ha-1.
Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Deg.; nitrogen; phosphorus; potassium; calcium; magnesium; sulfur; micronutrients
