ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF SILICON APPLICATION IN PROTECTED TOMATO CULTIVATION IN NORTHWESTERN PARANÁ
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze the economic feasibility of silicon application in protected tomato cultivation in northwestern Paraná, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using different irrigation levels (60 and 100% of crop evapotranspiration) and silicon application methods (no application, foliar, and soil application). Production costs were calculated for each treatment, considering the specific management practices. The economic analysis considered the average yield of each treatment, extrapolated to an area of 175 m². Fixed costs, variable costs, silicon application costs, economic return, economic balance, and the relative increase due to silicon application were all evaluated. Irrigation with 100% replacement of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) resulted in higher crop profitability. Silicon application, whether via soil or foliar spray, under all irrigation conditions, significantly increased financial returns compared to the treatment without silicon.
Author Biographies
PhD in Agronomy (Crop Production), Master’s degree in Agronomy (Crop Production), and Agronomist Engineer from the State University of Maringá (UEM). Currently a postdoctoral researcher in the field of Crop Science at the State University of Maringá.
Holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Lavras, a Master’s degree in Agronomy from the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ-USP), and a PhD in Agronomy from the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ-USP). Currently serves as an Associate Professor at the State University of Maringá (UEM).
Holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Lavras, a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Lavras, and a PhD in Agronomy from São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” – Faculty of Agronomic Sciences. Completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Post-Harvest Technology and Coffee Quality at the Agronomic Institute (IAC), Campinas. Currently serves as an Associate Professor at the State University of Maringá (UEM).
Food Engineer from the State University of Maringá (UEM). Worked at the COCAMAR Wheat Mill as a Quality Control Analyst and Laboratory Technician II, and as a Supervisor at Seara Alimentos. Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology from the PPGTA program (2024). PhD candidate in the PPGTA program.
Agronomist Engineer graduated from the State University of Maringá (UEM). Master’s degree in Agronomy with emphasis on Crop Production in the Graduate Program in Agronomy (PGA) at the State University of Maringá (UEM). PhD candidate in Agronomy at PGA-UEM.
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