Assessment of integrated nutrient management strategies on soil health parameters in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) cv. Red delicious

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Studies on Integrated Nutrient Management in Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cv. Red Delicious” was conducted at the Regional Horticultural Research Sub Station, Bhaderwah during the years 2024 and 2025. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with fifteen treatments replicated thrice to evaluate the effect of different integrated nutrient management (INM) combinations on soil properties. The treatment details include: T1-Azotobacter + PSB (Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria), T2-Azotobacter + PSB + FYM 100 kg + 100% recommended NPK (700:350:700 g/plant), T3-Azotobacter + PSB + FYM 100 kg + 75% recommended NPK (525:262.5:525 g/plant), T4-Azotobacter + PSB + FYM 100 kg + 50% recommended NPK (350:175:350 g/plant), T5-Azotobacter + PSB + Vermicompost 10 kg + 100% recommended NPK (700:350:700 g/plant), T6-Azotobacter + PSB + Vermicompost 10 kg + 75% recommended NPK (525:262.5:525 g/plant), T7-Azotobacter + PSB + Vermicompost 10 kg + 50% recommended NPK (350:175:350 g/plant), T8-Azotobacter + PSB + 100% recommended NPK (700:350:700 g/plant), T9-Azotobacter + PSB + 75% recommended NPK (525:262.5:525 g/plant), T10-Azotobacter + PSB + 50% recommended NPK (350:175:350 g/plant), T11-FYM 100 kg + 75% recommended NPK (525:262.5:525 g/plant), T12-FYM 100 kg + 50% recommended NPK (350:175:350 g/plant), T13-Vermicompost 10 kg + 75% recommended NPK (525:262.5:525 g/plant), T14-Vermicompost 10 kg + 50% recommended NPK (350:175:350 g/plant) and T15-Recommended dose of NPK (700:350:700 g/plant)-Control. The results revealed that INM treatments did not produce any statistically significant variation in soil pH during both years of investigation. However, comparatively higher pH values (6.90) were recorded under T12-FYM 100 kg + 50% recommended NPK (350:175:350 g/plant), whereas the lowest values (6.12) were observed under T15-Recommended dose of NPK (700:350:700 g/plant). Similarly, soil electrical conductivity (EC) was not significantly influenced by different treatments. Nevertheless, relatively higher EC values (0.66 ds m-1) were observed under T14: Vermicompost 10 kg + 50% recommended NPK (350:175:350 g/plant), while lower EC values (0.19 ds m-1) were recorded under T13 (Vermicompost 10 kg + 75% recommended NPK (525:262.5:525 g/plant). In contrast, soil organic carbon content was significantly affected by the INM treatments during both years. The highest organic carbon content (1.43 %) was recorded under T5: Azotobacter + PSB + vermicompost @ 10 kg + 100% recommended NPK, while the lowest values (1.01 %) were observed under T1: Azotobacter + PSB alone. The study indicates that integration of biofertilizers with organic manures and balanced fertilizer application improves soil organic carbon without adversely affecting soil pH and electrical conductivity in apple orchards.