Altitudinal and depth-wise micro nutrient indexing of high density apple orchards in North Kashmir, India

Abstract

A total of forty five soil samples collected from twelve representative profiles of high density apple orchards were analyzed for fertility parameters (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and B) using the standard procedures. Interestingly, significant differences are found in different micro nutrients. Micronutrients shows irregular trend with altitude but almost all micronutrient were found in adequate amounts in different altitudes (High, Mid and Low). Depth also shows an irregular trend in micronutrient concentration and usually higher amount of micronutrients were found in surface soils than sub surface soils in all three altitudes, over all mean surface micro nutrients of all three altitudes were higher in surface soils (1.91, 2.32, 56.66, 59.54 and 1.35) than sub surface soils (1.35, 1.68, 49.51, 51.16 and 0.97). All micronutrient shows positive correlation between soil available micronutrients with that of leaf micronutrients both in surface and sub surface soil. Present study though first of its kind on high density apple orchards is expected to quite useful for horticulturists for formulation of future research programme.