Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Te-Fang Pan and Light Chie-Yauw Yeh

Abstract:

In fruit cultivation, organic fertilizers have been applied for improving citrus fruit qualities. Particularly, the sustainable agriculture has been spread out recently, the application of organic fertilizers is one of organic production process. This paper attempts to estimate the economical efficiency as well as the financial effects of organic fertilizer inputs for citrus. The citrus varieties, including Tankan tangor, Ponkan mandarin, Liucheng sweet orange and Wentan Pummelo, were selected for estimation. Path analysis and Cobb-Douglas production function were used. Results showed the effects of organic fertilizers application for citrus trees were between 2 to 7 %, which were less than the rates 4 to 20 % of chemical fertilizers. Besides, Ponkan, and Wentan Pummelo showed economic efficient in organic fertilizers application, but Tankan and Liucheng appeared ineffective. In addition, chemical fertilizers suggested more effective than that of the organic ones. Applying organic fertilizers just the right amount may provide efficiency and effects for citrus production.

Key words:Benefits, Citrus, Cobb-Douglas production function, Organic fertilizer

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