Balanced fertilisation for yield and nutritional quality in fruit crops.
Ganeshamurthy A. N., Reddy Y. T. N., Anjaneyulu K., Kotur S. C.
Author Affiliation: Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesarghatta, Bangalore - 560 089, India.
Fertiliser News 49 : 71-80, 83-86, 114
Abstract : Fruits play an important role in overcoming iron, zinc, vitamin A and other deficiencies and in achieving nutritional security of Indian population. Balanced application of plant nutrients is essential to achieve quality fruit production. In many fruits higher levels of N may reduce yield and needs P and K application to produce good quality fruits. The responses of various fruit crops (viz., mango, apple, citrus, grape, banana, pineapple, sapodillas, pawpaw and Nagpur mandarin [Citrus reticulata]) to balanced fertilizer application are studied. Correction of deficiencies of micronutrients is essential to realize the benefits of applied N, P and K. Use of organics helps both substitutions of nutrients and improving fruit quality. Unbalanced use of plant nutrients led to low yields with poor quality fruits. Neither soil testing nor tissue testing along can help in recommending fertilizer application schedule for fruit crops. An integrated soil and tissue testing approach along with economical considerations is needed for recommending fertilizers to fruit crops.