Evaluation of macro and micro nutrient status of pomegranate orchards from Maharashtra region by soil and leaf analysis

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Studies on macro and micro nutrient status in soil and leaf tissue of pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) orchads of Marathwada region” was carried out during 2017-2018. For this purpose leaf sampling was done from the twigs of current season growth at 8th leaf from the apex in January - February 2017 with 50 leaves sample. The average value of soil pH at surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) soil samples showed that, the soils were neutral to alkaline in reaction and electrical conductivity of pomegranate orchard soil at surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) soil samples was in safe limit for the crop growth. These soils were calcareous to highly calcareous in nature and low to medium in organic carbon content at surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) layer. The soils are categorized as low, medium and high in N, P and K content respectively in pomegranate orchard soils of Marathwada region at both the depth i.e. (0-15 cm) and (15-30 cm) respectively. The exchangeable calcium and magnesium were in high range at surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) soil and sulphur status were found in medium to high content. These soils were low to medium in available DTPA Fe and Zn whereas, high in DTPA Mn and low to high in DTPA Cu content at surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) soil samples. The leaf nitrogen and potassium was found in higher amount while, phosphorus was low to high in pomegranate leaf samples. The micronutrients viz., zinc and copper were found to be marginal to deficient in leaves of pomegranate while, leaf iron and manganese were marginal to sufficient in pomegranate leaves.