Snap bean yield in function of K2O levels

Aiming to evaluate the effect of K 20 levels on the increase of snap bean yield, an experiment was performed in Paraiba State, Brazil, in a Quartz Psamment soil. The experimental design was of randomized blocks, with six treatments (0; 50; 100; 150; 200 and 250 kg ha(-1) of K2O), in four replications. Each plot contained 40 plants spaced 1.0 m x 0.2 m. Pods maximum number/plant (20 pods) and the maximum yield/plant (171 g), were obtained, respectively with 145 and 173 kg ha(-1) of K2O, and pods yield reached maximum value around 25,3 t ha(-1) at the level of 171 kg ha(-1) of K2O. The most economic level of K2O for the production of pods was of 165 kg ha(-1). The most economic level represented 96% comparing to that responsible for maximum pods production. The K 20 levels that obtained maximum pods production and economic return were correlated, respectively, with 181 and 176 mg dm(-1) of K available for the extractor Mehlich 1.