Altitudinal and depth wise variation of physico-chemical properties, macronutrient status of soil and leaf and their correlation studies of HDP apple orchards under MM 106 rootstock of north Kashmir

Abstract

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) one of the rosaceous group is native of Asia Minor to western Himalayas. High density apple orchards developed on semi dwarf rootstock like MM 106 have become common in many apple growing regions of the Kashmir especially North Kashmir. Suitability of soil as a medium of plant growth depends on both its physico-chemical properties and nutritional status. As per the results soils were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline and ranged statically from 6.55 to 7.52 in surface and 7.31 to 7.78 in sub-surface soils. The highest values of organic carbon in surface and sub-surface soils were found in orchards located in high altitude followed by mid and low altitudes orchard soils. The available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content varied significantly with altitude and the higher values were observed in HDP apple orchards located in high altitude. The available nitrogen and phosphorus showed a decreasing trend while as available potassium showed irregular with soil depth. The foliar contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in high density apple were found to be sufficient. The leaf calcium, magnesium and sulphur varied from 1.66 to 1.75, 0.27 to 0.31, and 0.20 to 0.23 per cent respectively. Significantly higher average yield was recorded in high and mid altitudes than low altitude HDP apple orchards. Nutrients showed positive relation with organic carbon. Plants absorb nutrients from both surface as well as sub-surface soils. The present study though first of its kind on high density apple orchards is expected to be quite useful for horticulturists for formulation of future research programme.