Effect of Preharvest Sprays of Calcium on Cracking and ‘Schattenmorelle’ Sour Cherry Fruit Quality Harvested Mechanically

The aim of the study was to examine effect of preharvest sprays of calcium (Ca) in the form of Ca-chloride (CaCl₂), Ca-nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂], or a mixture of Ca-formate, Ca-acetate, CaCl₂, and Ca(NO₃)₂ on cracking and quality of ‘Schattenmorelle’ sour cherry fruit harvested mechanically. The experiment was conducted in 2008–2009 at a commercial orchard in central Poland. Mature trees grew on a coarse-textured soil poor in organic matter, at a spacing of 4.0 × 1.5 m. The spray treatments of Ca were performed at 7-day intervals, starting 28 days before harvest, at the rates of 5.0–5.6 kg Ca ha^?1 per season. The trees sprayed with water were treated as the control. Fruit were harvested mechanically when peduncle-fruit detachment force dropped below 3 N. The results showed that preharvest Ca sprays caused no leaf damage. This measure did not affect yield, mean fruit weight, soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity of fruit, and weight loss of fruit during 24 h after harvest. Fruit sprayed with Ca had improved status of this nutrient, and were less liable to juicy leakage from the stem scar, rain-induced cracking, and preharvest decay caused by Glomerella cingulata. The above effects of Ca sprays did not depend on the tested material. It was concluded that preharvest sprays of Ca as CaCl₂ and/or Ca(NO₃)₂ should be recommended in ‘Schattenmorelle’ sour cherry orchards to reduce fruit losses resulting from rain-induced cracking, leakage of juice, and the incidence of cherry bitter rot.     

The Effect of Calcium Sprays and Fruit Thinning on Bitter Pit Incidence and Calcium Content in ‘Honeycrisp’ Apple

‘Honeycrisp’ is a recently released cultivar of apple (Malus x domestica) developed by the University of Minnesota, now in high demand by growers and consumers. This cultivar is susceptible to bitter pit, especially when the trees are young and the fruit load is low. The effects of calcium (Ca) sprays, fruit thinning, vegetative growth, fruit and leaf nutrient concentration on bitter pit incidence, and two sampling methods for nutrient analysis were studied. Bitter pit incidence was associated with several variables, including Ca and phosphorus (P) concentrations in leaves and fruits, magnesium (Mg) concentration in leaves, and yield parameters. Fruit Ca concentration and content for the growing season were modeled, which allowed the determinations of Ca levels associated with bitter pit incidence. Our data suggest that plug analysis was less sensitive than fruit-segment analysis for finding differences in Ca concentrations.     

Effect of Molybdenum Foliar Sprays on Yield,Berry Size,Seed Formation,and Petiolar Nutrient Composition of “Merlot” Grapevines

Abstract

Field experiments with irrigated “Merlot” vines were carried out at 3 sites in the Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia over 3 years to examine the effects of molybdenum (Mo) foliar sprays on bunch yield, berry size, and nutrient composition of petioles. Bunches were divided into different size grades for black and green berries. Basal petioles were sampled at flowering and veraison for nutrient analyses. In year 3, seed number per berry was assessed at sites 2 and 3. Two Mo foliar sprays (each spray contained 118 g Mo as sodium molybdate/ha in 410–800 L/ha of water) applied before flowering increased yield per vine and bunch weight in all experiments in year 2 and at site 3 in year 3. Yield responses ranged from 221% at site 1 to 750% at site 2 in year 2 and 70% for site 3, year 3. Average bunch weight increased from 243% at site 2 to 425% at site 1 for year 2 and by 69% at site 3 in year 3, and was the main yield component affected by Mo application. In year 1, the application of Mo did not affect yield or bunch weight at any site. In year 2, the application of Mo increased the yield of 5–15 mm colored berries by 301, 499, and 258% at sites 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and by 70% at site 3, year 3. Mo application increased the percent of berries, which had one or more functional seeds (when assessed at sites 2 and 3 in year 3). Molybdenum concentrations in petioles sampled at flowering and veraison increased in response to applied Mo in all years. Petiolar Mo concentrations in unsprayed vines were consistently higher in year 1 compared with other years. The effect of applied Mo on the concentration of other nutrients in basal petioles sampled at flowering and veraison were small and of little practical importance. Nitrate-N did not accumulate in the petioles of unsprayed plants in any year. Changes in petiolar Mo concentrations between flowering and veraison were dependent on supply. Nitrate-N, total-N, and phosphorus (P) concentrations declined with time, while calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) tended to increase. At flowering, Mo concentrations in basal petioles of 0.05–0.09 mg/kg were associated with significant bunch yield response to applied Mo. Molybdenum deficiency can be a major factor in the occurrence of berry development disorders such as shot berry formation and hens and chickens (millerandage) in “Merlot” grapevines. The increased percent of colored berries with one or more functional seeds and the decrease in the proportion of green berries suggests that Mo application affected pollination and/or fertilization, and thereafter berry development.     

Impact of Postharvest Sprays of Nitrogen,Boron and Zinc on Nutrition,Reproductive Response and Fruit Quality of ‘Schattenmorelle’ Tart Cherries

The aim of the study was to examine effects of fall sprays of nitrogen (N), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on nutrition, reproductive response, and fruit quality of tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.). The experiment was conducted during 2008–2010 in Poland on mature ‘Schattenmorelle’ sour cherry trees, planted at a spacing of 4.0 × 1.5 m on a coarse-textured soil with low level of organic matter, and adequate reaction and availabilities of macro- and micronutrients. Tart cherries were sprayed with boric acid-B, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-Zn, and urea-N at 40–50 d prior to initiation of leaf fall according to following schema: (i) spray of N at a rate of 23 kg ha^?1; (ii) spray of B and Zn at doses of 1.1 kg ha^?1 and 0.5 kg ha^?1, respectively; and (iii) spray of N, B, and Zn at the same rates as in the above spray combinations. The trees sprayed with water were served as the control. The results showed that postharvest spray treatments had no effect on defoliation, cold damage of flower buds, fruit set, yielding, plant N status, mean fruit weight, and soluble solids concentration in fruit. Postharvest sprays of B and Zn with or without N enhanced status of Zn and B in fall leaves, and B in flowers but had no impact on levels of the above micronutrients in summer leaves. Leaf-absorbed B was withdrawn in the fall, whereas Zn was immobile. It is concluded that postharvest B sprays can be recommended to increase B status in flowers of tart cherry, whereas fall sprays of urea-N and Zn are not able to improve plant nutrition of those nutrients the following season.     

Impact of Supplemental Calcium Chloride on Yield,Quality, Nutrient Status,and Postharvest Attributes of Tomato

Little is known regarding the impact of calcium chloride applications during growth and development on tomato postharvest quality. This trial investigated supplemental calcium chloride applications on yield, nutrient content, texture, and postharvest quality of tomato fruit. Calcium (Ca) nutrient solution concentrations were: 60, 180, and 360 mg·L^?1 calcium, while foliar applications were (0, 1, and 2% calcium chloride w/v). Plants grown with 60 mg·L^?1 Ca had a high incidence of blossom end rot, which was not affected by calcium chloride sprays. Fruit nutrient concentrations were affected by calcium delivered through the nutrient solution. As fruit cluster position increased, fruit nutrient concentrations significantly decreased. Foliar calcium chloride sprays affected fruit soluble solids content and dry weight, but did not affect texture. Pericarp elasticity increased concomitantly with calcium in the nutrient solution. Postharvest disease incidence was not affected by calcium treatment, though weight loss during storage was negatively affected by calcium chloride sprays.     

Effect of Sewage Sludge and Rice Straw Compost on Yield,Micronutrient Availability and Soil Quality under Rice–Wheat System

ABSTRACT

There is a need to improve the way in which crop residues and industrial organic wastes are managed and also to study their potential use in agriculture for improving soil fertility and biological activity. This study evaluated the effects of integrated use of organic (sewage sludge (SS) and rice straw compost (RSC)) and inorganic fertilizers on crop yield, soil enzymes activity, macro- and micro-nutrients availability under rice–wheat cropping system after three consecutive years of cropping in a subtropical semi-arid area. Different combinations of inorganic nitrogen and two doses of organic sources (SS and RSC) were applied to the soil. The results revealed that substitution with 50% N through RSC significantly increased the yield and biochemical properties as compared to inorganic fertilizers (NPK) alone. Micronutrients availability was found increased in treatment having substitution of 50% N through SS @10 t ha^?1. All the enzymatic activities viz. dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate (FDA), phosphatase, phytase, and urease) were found to be maximum by substitution of 50% N through RSC. Also, a significant positive correlation was found between soil enzymes (dehydrogenase and FDA) and organic carbon as well as crop yield. Thus, the study demonstrated that substitution of 50% inorganic nitrogen through organic sources will be a better alternative for improving soil quality and productivity.     

Effect of Zinc × Boron Interaction on Plant Growth and Tissue Nutrient Concentration of Corn

ABSTRACT

A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse on a calcareous soil (fine, mixed, mesic, Fluventic Haploxerepts) to study the interaction of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the growth and nutrient concentration of corn (Zea mays L.). Treatments consisted of a factorial arrangement of seven levels of B (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg kg^{? 1}as boric acid), two sources of Zn [zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄ · 7H₂O) and zinc oxide (ZnO)], and three levels of Zn (0, 5, and 10 mg kg^{? 1}) in a completely randomized design with three replications. Plants were grown for 70 d in 1.6 L plastic containers. Applied Zn significantly increased plant height and dry matter yield (DMY) of corn. Source of Zn did not significantly affect growth or nutrient concentration. High levels of B decreased plant height and DMY. There was a significant B × Zn interaction on plant growth and tissue nutrient concentration which were rate dependent. In general, the effect of B × Zn interaction was antagonistic on nutrient concentration and synergistic on growth. It is recommended that the plants be supplied with adequate Zn when corn is grown in high B soils, especially when availability of Zn is low.     

Effect of Irrigation Water Quality on Soil Hydraulic Conductivity

The effect of irrigation water quality on unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (HC) of undisturbed soil in field was studied.Results show that within the operating soil suction range (0-1.6 KPa) of disc permeameters,the higher the electric conductivity (EC) of irrigation water,the higher the soil HC became.The soil HC doubled when EC increased from 0.1 to 6.0ds m^-1.High sodium-adsorption ratio(SAR) of irrigation water would have an unfavorable effect on soil HC.Soil HC decreased with the increasing of SAR,especially in the case of higher soil suction.An interaction existed between the effects of EC and SAR of irrigation water on soil HC.The HC of unsaturated soil dependent upon the macropores in surface soil decreased by one order of magnitude with 1 KPa increase of soil suction.In the study on the effect of very low soluble salt concentration (EC=0.1 ds m^-1 of irrigation water on soil HC,soil HC was found to be lowered by 30% as a consequence of blocking up of some continuous pores by the dispersed and migrated clay particles.Nonlinear successive regression analysis and significance test show that the effects of EC and SAR of irrigation water on soil HC reached the extremely significant level.     

Influence of Gyttja on Shoot Growth and Shoot Concentrations of Zinc and Boron of Wheat Cultivars Grown on Zinc‐Deficient and Boron‐Toxic Soil

Abstract

Greenhouse experiments were carried out to study the influence of gyttja, a sedimentary peat, on the shoot dry weight and shoot concentrations of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) in one bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Bezostaja) and one durum wheat (Triticum durum L., cv. Kiziltan) cultivar. Plants were grown in a Zn‐deficient (DTPA‐Zn: 0.09 mg kg^?1 soil) and B‐toxic soil (CaCl₂/mannitol‐extractable B: 10.5 mg kg^?1 soil) with (+Zn = 5 mg Zn kg^?1 soil) and without (?Zn = 0) Zn supply for 55 days. Gyttja containing 545 g kg^?1 organic matter was applied to the soil at the rates of 0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10% (w/w). When Zn and gyttja were not added, plants showed leaf symptoms of Zn deficiency and B toxicity, and had a reduced growth. With increased rates of gyttja application, shoot growth of both cultivars was significantly enhanced under Zn deficiency, but not at sufficient supply of Zn. The adverse effects of Zn deficiency and B toxicity on shoot dry matter production became very minimal at the highest rate of gyttja application. Increases in gyttja application significantly enhanced shoot concentrations of Zn in plants grown without addition of inorganic Zn. In Zn‐sufficient plants, the gyttja application up to 5% (w/w) did not affect Zn concentration in shoots, but at the highest rate of gyttja application there was a clear decrease in shoot Zn concentration. Irrespective of Zn supply, the gyttja application strongly decreased shoot concentration of B in plants, particularly in durum wheat. For example, in Zn‐deficient Kiziltan shoot concentration of B was reduced from 385 mg kg^?1 to 214 mg kg^?1 with an increased gyttja application. The results obtained indicate that gyttja is a useful organic material improving Zn nutrition of plants in Zn‐deficient soils and alleviating adverse effects of B toxicity on plant growth. The beneficial effects of gyttja on plant growth in the Zn‐deficient and B‐toxic soil were discussed in terms of increases in plant available concentration of Zn in soil and reduction of B uptake due to formation of tightly bound complexes of B with gyttja.     

The Effect of Different Fertilizers’ Sources on Micronutrients’ Content and Sugar Quality of Sugar Beet

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effect of different fertilizers’ sources on micronutrients’ content and sugar quality of sugar beet, three fertilizers’ sources include spent mushroom compost (SMC) (29 t/ha), sheep manure (23 t/ha), chemical fertilizer including zinc sulfate (10?kg/ha), copper sulfate (10?kg/ha), iron sulfate (30?kg/ha), manganese sulfate (15?kg/ha) and no fertilizer (control) were conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Research Farm of Shahrekord University in 2013. The results showed that micronutrients’ content in the root, α-amino-N sucrose percentage and sucrose yield were significantly affected by fertilizer treatments. The highest elements’ content of Fe (90.39?mg/kg), Zn (39.15?mg/kg), and Cu (18.1?mg/kg) in sugar beet root belonged to SMC treatment. Besides, SMC caused less α-amino-N accumulation in sugar beet compared with sheep manure (1.05 MEq/g). Sucrose percentage was higher in SMC treatment than the sheep manure. Likewise, sucrose percentage revealed a significant positive correlation with micronutrients of zinc, copper, and manganese in sugar beet root. Therefore, it could be concluded that using SMC increases micronutrients’ content in the root and at the same time, plays an important role in sugar quality improvement of sugar beet.     

Vegetative Growth,Yield and Leaf Mineral Composition in Strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa DUCH. CV. Pajaro) as Influenced using Nickel Sulfate and Urea Sprays

In this study, interactions of nickel sulfate and urea sprays on vegetative growth, yield and leaf mineral contents in strawberry were investigated. Rooted Pajaro strawberry plants were potted in 3 liter pots filled with soil, leaf mold and sand (1:1:1, v/v/v). Established plants were foliar sprayed with nickel sulfate at 0, 150, 300 and 450 mg L^?1 and urea 0 and 2 g L^?1 concentrations. Results indicated that nickel (Ni; 300 mg L^?1) plus urea (2 g L^?1) significantly increased the yield and runner numbers. Nickel sulfate at the rate of 300 and 150 mg L^?1and urea (2 g L^?1) significantly increased the crown numbers. The greatest root fresh and dry weights were obtained from untreated plants. Urea at 2 g L^?1 without nickel significantly increased shoot fresh and dry weights. Nickel at 450 mg L^?1 without urea significantly increased Ni concentration in leaves. Overall, nickel sulfate at 150 and 300 mg L^?1 along with urea at 2 g L^?1 were the best treatments.     

Influence of Humic Substances and Nitrogen on Yield,Fruit Quality,and Leaf Mineral Elements of ‘Early Spur Rome’ Apple

The effects of humic substances (AgriPlus, Humi-Zyme, and Humic Acid 6%) and nitrogen (N) on growth, yield, quality, and leaf minerals in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) were studied during 1997–2000. Trees receiving medium or high N tended to be larger than trees with other treatments in 2000. Trees receiving AgriPlus with high N had higher yield than untreated control trees in 1998. Trees receiving medium N had larger fruits than control trees. Fruits of trees receiving high N (alone) had less red color than the control. Soluble solids concentrations (SSC) in fruits of all treatments were higher than those of the control at harvest in 1999. Fruit from the untreated control and low Humi-Zyme tended to be firmer than that from other treatments. The untreated control and low Humi-Zyme trees had lower leaf N and manganese (Mn), but higher leaf potassium (K) than trees under most other treatments. Leaf iron (Fe) in trees receiving medium Humi-Zyme was higher than that in the untreated control in two years. AgriPlus-treated trees showed higher water retention in the root zone.     

Fruit Quality at Harvest of “Jonathan” Apple Treated with Foliarly-Applied Calcium Chloride

Abstract

The response of “Jonathan” apple trees (Malus domestica, Borkh.) grafted on EMLA 111 to frequent application of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) was studied at Topeka, Emporia, and Conway Springs, Kansas, orchards in 2002. Trees were sprayed one to eight times with foliar applications of calcium chloride at the rate of 8.971 kg ha^?1. First spray was made when fruits were 1.4, 0.9, and 1.6 cm diameter at Topeka, Emporia, and Conway Springs, respectively. More than six applications of CaCl₂ improved fruit quality at harvest. Improvement included an increase in fruit weight, size, appearance, skin redness, and reduction of scald incidents. Although CaCl₂ applications had no effect on percent of soluble solids, the ratio of soluble solid content to titratable acidity was increased by frequent CaCl₂ application. Fruit skin redness was the most improved quality of “Jonathan” apple as the result of CaCl₂ applications. No symptoms of fruit russetting or leaf scalding resulting from frequent CaCl₂ application were observed. Increase in fruit quality was attributed to a linear increase in Ca concentrations in fruit and leaf tissues. Increase in Ca concentrations in fruit and leaf tissues of treated trees coincided with increases in potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) concentrations compared with untreated control trees. Potassium, Mg, P, and N were correlated with fruit quality as much as, or in some cases more than, Ca. This information suggests that changes in mineral balance with CaCl₂ applications contributed to improvement of fruit quality and is evidence that frequent Ca application improved “Jonathan” apple quality in Kansas.     

Effect of Sulfur on the Yield and Essential and Nonessential Element Composition of Alfalfa Determined by Polarized Energy Dispersive X‐ray Fluorescence

Alfalfa crops were grown in the field at the University of Ankara (473939 E, 4385149 N), over two seasons between 2001 and 2003 with sulfur (S) supplied at two different rates. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with five replicates and three cutting dates in each season. Sulfur was applied at rates of 0 (control), 160 (S₁), and 240 (S₂) kg ha^?1 as gypsum. Alfalfa hay was harvested three times each year, and the concentrations of elements in the hay were measured by polarized energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (PEDXRF). Sulfur fertilization increased S concentrations and improved alfalfa hay yield for both years. Applied S slightly reduced phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in the first year and had no significant effect on the potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) concentrations of alfalfa hay for either year. The highest S (240 kg ha^?1 S) level increased sodium (Na) concentrations in the first year but decreased them in the second year. Sulfur application also decreased chloride (Cl) concentration in the first year. Molybdenum (Mo) concentration of the alfalfa was significantly reduced by S₁ treatment in year 1. Iron (Fe) concentration was increased by S₂ treatment in the second year, and zinc (Zn) concentration was increased by S₁ treatment in the first year. However, applied S had no effect on manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), barium (Ba), uranium (U), and lead (Pb) concentrations for either year. Applied S decreased aluminum (Al) and silicon (Si) and increased bromine (Br) and rubidium (Rb) concentrations of alfalfa in the first year. In addition, strontium (Sr) concentration was increased by S₂ treatment in the first year but was decreased in the second year. The stage of cutting greatly affected mineral concentrations. Compared with the first cutting, S concentrations were higher in the second and third harvest for both years. In general, the concentrations of P, Mg, Na, Cl, Mo, Ti, V, Br, Co, Ba, Sr, Rb, U, and Pb were increased, whereas the concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Ni were decreased with later cutting. The concentrations of K and Ca did not vary between cuts.     

Impact of Boron on Biomass Production and Nutrition of Aluminum‐Stressed Apple Rootstocks

Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to examine the effect of boron (B) on biomass production and nutrition of aluminum (Al)‐stressed apple (Malus sp.) rootstocks. The study was carried out under greenhouse conditions on Polish rootstock (P22) and Malling 26 (M.26) planted singly into 1‐L plastic pots filled with perlite and supplied with Hoagland's medium at pH 4.5 without or with Al (100 µM as AlCl₃). Boron was added into the Al‐containing medium at 20, 40, or 60 µM whereas into the medium without Al only at 20 µM as boric acid. The results showed that the presence of Al in the medium reduced biomass production of P22 and M.26 rootstocks by 22% and 41%, respectively. Rates of uptake and translocation of phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) to aerial plant parts were decreased for Al‐treated rootstocks. Aluminum‐stressed P22 rootstocks grown in nutrient solution at 40 and 60 µM B had higher dry weight of leaves and roots, and also higher ability to take up P, Mg, and Ca and lower Al than those grown in the presence of Al at 20 µM B in the medium. Rates of absorption and transport of B to aerial plant parts corresponded with B level in the medium. These results suggest that on acid soils with high Al availability, supra‐optimal B concentrations in soil solution (40–60 µM) can prevent/alleviate Al toxicity in apple trees grafted on P22 rootstocks.     

Effect of Low‐Rate Commercial Humic Acid on Phosphorus Availability,Micronutrient Uptake,and Spring Wheat Yield

Abstract

A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effects of low‐rate commercial humic acid (HA) on phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) availability and spring wheat yields, in both a calcareous soil and a noncalcareous soil. In Phase I, soluble P concentrations were monitored at 1.9, 3.8, and 5.7 cm from a monoammonium phosphate (MAP) fertilizer band that had either been coated with one of two HA products at the equivalent of 1.7 kg HA ha^?1, a label rate, or left uncoated. Sampling occurred periodically up to 48 d after fertilizer application. In Phase II, uptake of P, Fe, and Zn and grain yield were measured in soils that had been fertilized with 7.5 or 25 kg P ha^?1, either coated with HA or left uncoated. In Phase I, only three significant differences (P=0.05) out of 66 comparisons were found in soluble P concentrations between HA and control treatments at time points ranging from 4 to 48 d after fertilization. In addition, no significant differences were found in nutrient uptake, shoot biomass, or grain yield between HA and control treatments. These greenhouse results suggest that low commercial HA rates (～1.7 kg HA ha^?1) may be insufficient to enhance spring wheat growth.     

Nutrient Balance in Relation to High Yield and Good Quality of Potato on an Acid Purple Soil in Chongqing,China

A field experiment was carried out to study nutrient balance among N,P,K and Mg in potato cultivation on an acid purple soil in Chongqing,China,The experiment included 8 treatments with equal P rate of 120 kg P2O5 hm^-2 :N0K2,N1K2,NK2K2,N3K2,N2K0,N2K1,N2K1Mg and N2K3,where N0,N1,N2 and N3 stand for the N rates of 0,75,150 and 225 kg N hm^-2 ,and K0,K1,K2 and K3 for the K rates of 0,165,330 and 495kg K2O hm^-2,respectively,Among the treatments designed ,Treatment N2K2 with a nutrient suply ration of N:P2O5:K2O:MgO=1.25:1.275:0.28 gave the highest tuber yield nd dry matter ,highest starch and Zn and lowest NO3^- contents in tuber,and high N,P and K use effciency with and uptake ratio of N:P:K:Mg=11.38:1:13.32:0.33 by tuber,Yield and starch and protein contents of tuber were the lowest in Treatment N0K2.Dry matter was the highest N,P and K utilization rates .Statistical analysis showed that yields of tuber and starch were in a positive linear correlation with the uptake amount of various nutrients and protein of the potato tuber was in a significantly positive linear correlation with tuber N content and in a singificantly negative linear correlation with tuber K and Mg contents .Balaced application of N,P,K and Mg fertilizers(Treatment N2K2)was recommended for realiztion of high yield and good quality in potato cultivation.     

Influence of Tillage and Nutrient Sources on Yield Sustainability and Soil Quality under Sorghum–Mung Bean System in Rainfed Semi‐arid Tropics

The crop production in rainfed semi‐arid tropical (SAT) Alfisols is constrained by low soil organic matter, poor soil fertility, soil structural infirmities, and scarce moisture availability. To offset some of these constraints, a long‐term study of tillage [conventional (CT) and reduced (RT)] and conjunctive nutrient‐use treatments was conducted in SAT Alfisol at Hyderabad, India, under sorghum–mung bean system. The order of performance of the treatments in increasing the sorghum yield was 2 Mg gliricidia loppings + 20 kg nitrogen (N) through urea (T4) (93.2%) > 4 Mg compost + 20 kg N through urea (T3) (88.7%) > 40 kg N through urea (T2) (88.5%) > 4 Mg compost + 2 Mg gliricidia loppings (T5) (82.2%). In the case of mung bean, where half as much N was applied as was to the sorghum, the order of performance of the treatments in increasing the grain yields was T3 (63.6%) >T5 (60.3%) >T4 (58.0%) >T2 (49.6%). Tillage significantly influenced the hydraulic conductivity only, whereas the conjunctive nutrient‐use treatments significantly influenced the predominant physical, chemical, and biological soil‐quality parameters. Among the conjunctive nutrient‐use treatments, T5 was found to be superior in influencing the majority of the soil‐quality parameters and increased the organic carbon by 21.6%, available N by 24.5%, dehydrogenase activity by 56.1%, microbial biomass carbon by 38.8%, labile carbon by 20.3%, and microbial biomass nitrogen by 38.8% over the unamended control and proved superior most in improving soil quality.     

Effect of single and combined applications of zinc with iron and boron on the contents of “Deveci” pear trees

This research was conducted to correct the ion of zinc (Zn) deficiencies and to examine the efficiency of foliar Zn application on pear groves along with iron and boron. The treatments consisted of control, soil and foliar applications. Every foliar applied Zn elevated considerably Zn contents of the leaves. But, increases in fruit Zn contents were rather limited as compared to Zn contents of the leaves. It is thought that accumulation of Zn in the fruits was due to movement of Zn from the leaves well-supplied with Zn to the fruits. Therefore, foliar application of Zn should be conducted at least four times at the rate of 0.1% to increase Zn contents in the fruits in terms of human's daily Zn intake. Foliar applications of Zn alone and combined Zn + Fe, Zn + B and Zn + Fe + B applications significantly increased Zn, Fe and B concentrations, respectively, in the pear trees, as well.     

Impact of Animal Manure on Soil Chemistry,Mineral Nutrients,Yield, and Fruit Quality in ‘Golden Delicious’ Apple

ABSTRACT

Incorporating deep litter cow and deep litter poultry manures with the top 30-cm soil improved orchard soil chemistry, including nutrient availability, soil organic matter, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and biological activity in a ‘Golden Delicious’ apple (Malus domestica Bork) orchard in Zanjan, Iran. Application of deep litter cow manure at 30 t ha^?1 or deep litter poultry manure at 10 t ha^?1 resulted in a higher rate of nitrogen (N) release, and thus increased yield and fruit size, but decreased fruit color. The least leaf minerals were found in the untreated control trees. The control trees showed minor symptoms of N, iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg) deficiencies during the following season. Positive correlation existed between the rate of manure applied and the content of soil organic matter (OM). The deep litter poultry manure at 10 t ha^?1 increased the soil K, Mg, calcium (Ca), ammonium-N, and EC levels.