ISHS Acta Horticulturae 721: V International Symposium on Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Plants
EFFECT OF MINERAL AND ORGANIC FERTILIZATION ON SOIL CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL FERTILITY IN A COMMERCIAL PEACH ORCHARD |
| Authors: | E. Baldi, M. Toselli, G. Marcolini, B. Marangoni |
| Keywords: | cow manure, compost, mineral fertilization, root growth, soil nitric-N, leaf analysis |
| Abstract:
In this paper the effect of organic matter supply as an alternative to mineral fertilization in a commercial peach orchard is investigated through the comparison of the following treatments: 1. unfertilized control; 2. mineral fertilization; 3. compost at planting; 4. cow manure at planting; 5. compost (5 t DW ha-1 year-1) and 6. compost (10 t DW ha-1 year-1). Nitrate-N concentration, microbial biomass, root growth, leaf and fruit nutrient concentrations were evaluated from 2001 (planting) to 2003 (beginning of bearing stage). The organic fertilization increased soil organic matter, total N and nitrate-N, but did not affect the nutritional status of the trees. New root production was observed from May to June and white absorbing roots had a life span of several months, reaching the end of the season. | |
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