Effects of decreasing levels of n amendments on organic “granny smith” apple trees
Fecha
2015Resumen
The effect of decreasing levels of organic N-fertilization on fruit production, mineral composition and fruit quality was evaluated in organically cultivated “Granny Smith” apples trees. Treatments included the application of decreasing levels of N fertilization (100 kg N ha-1, 75 kg N ha-1, 50 kg N ha-1 and 0 kg N ha-1 ) applied as fossilized red guano (50% of the total amount of N) and blood meal (50% of the total amount of N) to twelve years old Granny Smith apple trees. Yield was not affected by the treatments (yield ranged from 0.28 to 0.4 kg cm-2 SCSA). Fruit mineral concentration and ratios were not affected by treatments. Fruits showed low Ca concentrations (2.8 to 3.3 mg Ca 100 g-1 FW), high levels of K (118.6 to 130.1 mg K 100 g-1 FW) and high values for K+Mg/Ca (> 12) and K/Ca (> 30) ratios. Mineral concentration on leaves was not affected by treatments (normal concentrations for macro and microelements). Bitter pit was only detected after 60 days of storage (100 kg N ha-1 tree, 1.1 in a scale 1-4). Besides orchard nitrogen management, fruit mineral ratios and Ca foliar applications should be considered for managing fruit production and quality in organic apples.
Fuente
Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 15(4), 979-990Identificador DOI
dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-95162015005000068Colecciones
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