Mangoes are one of the most important crops in Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta region, where they contribute significantly to the economy and livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers.
However, mango production in Vietnam faces many challenges, such as low productivity, high production costs, poor fruit quality, and short shelf life.
One of the main factors affecting these issues is the overuse of fertilizers, which not only increases the input costs but also harms the environment and human health.
A recent study by researchers from the Griffith Asia Institute (GAI) and the Southern Horticultural Research Institute (SOFRI) has shown that lower application rates of fertilizers do not affect the yield or quality of two mango varieties in Southern Vietnam, and can lead to increased profitability and sustainability for mango farmers.
Fertilizer Practices and Effects on Mango Yield and Quality
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The study was part of a larger project funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), which aims to improve smallholder farmer incomes by increasing the competitiveness of selected mango value chains in Southern Vietnam, as per Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
The project surveyed the current fertilizer practices of mango farmers in Dong Thap and Tien Giang provinces and found that most farmers applied excessive amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers to their mango trees, hoping to maximize their yield.
However, this practice resulted in higher production costs, lower fruit quality, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
The study also found that most farmers lacked knowledge and skills in fertilizer management and did not follow scientific recommendations or soil test results.
To test the effects of different fertilizer rates on mango yield and quality, the researchers conducted trials on two popular mango varieties: Cat Chu and Cat Hoa Loc.
They applied four NPK fertilizer treatments: 0%, 50%, 100%, and 150% of the recommended dose based on soil test results.
They measured the yield, fruit size, weight, length, width, edible portion, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and TSS/TA ratio of each treatment.
The results showed that there was no significant difference in yield or quality between the 50%, 100%, and 150% treatments for both varieties.
However, there was a significant difference between the 0% treatment and the other treatments, indicating that some fertilizer application was necessary for optimal mango production.
Implications and Recommendations for Mango Farmers
The study concluded that lower application rates of fertilizers could maintain mango yield and quality while reducing production costs and environmental impacts, as per Phys.org.
The researchers estimated that by applying 50% of the recommended dose instead of 150%, mango farmers could save about 3.6 million VND (156 USD) per hectare per year on fertilizer costs.
Moreover, by reducing fertilizer use, farmers could also reduce water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and health risks associated with fertilizer exposure.
The study recommended that mango farmers should adopt more efficient and sustainable fertilizer practices based on soil test results and scientific recommendations.
The study also suggested that farmers should be provided with training and extension services on fertilizer management and decision-making.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the need for more research on other aspects of mango production, such as irrigation, pruning, pest control, and post-harvest handling, to improve the overall competitiveness and profitability of mango value chains in Southern Vietnam.
Mangoes are one of the main tropical fruits grown in Vietnam, second only to bananas.
Most Vietnamese mango production is concentrated in the Mekong Delta region, which accounts for 48% of the country's total production area and produced 567,732 tonnes last year, nearly two-thirds of the total national output.
Vietnam is also among the world's top 15 exporters of mangoes, with a total export value of 310 million USD in 2021.
However, there is still room for improvement and growth in Vietnam's mango industry, as it faces competition from other major mango producers such as India, Thailand, and Mexico.
By adopting better fertilizer practices and other interventions along the value chain, Vietnamese mango farmers can increase their income and sustainability while meeting the growing demand for high-quality mangoes both locally and internationally.
