Passion fruit is an outstanding tropical fruit and the north region of Minas Gerais State seems suitable for growing it. A study on nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) levels for maximum physical and economic production was carried out in Quartzarenic Neosol of that region aiming to obtain high yields and superior fruit quality of yellow passion fruits. The experiment was implanted in March 1996, with plants spaced 3.5 m x 5.0 m, and irrigated by microsprinkler. The experimental design was a factorial randomized block with five levels of N (0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 kg/ha/year) and K2O (0, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 kg/ha/year), with four replications. From November/1996 to October/1997 it was observed a negative nitrogen effect on fruit number for the fresh fruit market, but no significant effects on fruit quality. On the other hand, potassium had a positive effect on fruit weight and diameter, but a negative one on yield, mainly for doses of 400 kg of N/ha, and no significant one on fruit quality. Considering yield, it is recommended 100 kg of N and 200 kg of K2O/ha/year, for experiment conditions.
Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Deg.; fertilization; Quartzarenic Neosoil; semi-arid region
