NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF APPLE ORCHARDS IN DISTRICT SHIMLA OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
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Date
2013
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The investigations entitled “Nutritional status of apple orchards in district Shimla of Himachal
Pradesh” were undertaken to determine the nutritional status of apple orchards, located in different
blocks of district Shimla and to establish the relationships among soil characteristics and nutrient
content of soils and plants. Based on uniformity in respect of age and growth a total of 50 apple
orchards were selected in ten blocks (Rampur, Chopal, Narkanda-I, Narkanda-II, Theog, Jubbal-
Kotkhai, Rohru-I, Rohru-II, Nankhari, and Mashobra ) of the district. Soil (0-20 and 20-40 cm depths)
and plant (leaf) samples collected from apple orchards (cv. Royal Delicious) were analyzed for some of
the physico-chemical properties and for their macro-nutrient (N, P, K, S) and micro-nutrient (Zn, Cu,
Fe and Mn) status. Soil reaction (pH) was found to be slightly acidic to near neutral and electrical
conductivity values were in safe limits (0.8 dSm-1). Almost all the samples registered high organic
carbon content. However, soils were low to medium in available N, medium to high in Zn and Cu and
high in P, K, Fe and Mn status, whereas S was in sufficient range. Leaf analysis revealed low to
sufficient levels of N, P, K, Zn and Cu. However, Fe and Mn were in adequate range, whereas S ( in
2% orchards) and Zn ( in 4% orchards) were found deficient. A significantly negative correlation of pH
with available P, Cu, Fe and Mn was observed. Electrical conductivity was significantly and positively
correlated with available N, P, S and Zn in surface and with N, K, Zn and Cu in sub-surface soils.
Organic carbon was positively and significantly correlated with all the analyzed nutrients both in the
surface and as well as subsurface soils. However, its positive relationship with available Cu, Fe and Mn
in surface soils was statistically non-significant. Clay content also exhibited an almost similar
relationship with the available nutrients. Organic carbon and clay content were also positively and
significantly related with leaf nutrients. Surface as well as sub-surface soils exhibited positive and
significant relationship with all the analyzed leaf nutrients except P and Zn which were non-significant
for surface, and P and K for sub-surface soils. It is expected that the present results will be helpful to
the growers, planners and other user agencies for effective and judicious application of fertilizers in
order to have higher yields of quality fruits.