Substitution response of nutrient sources on fruit yield, quality and soil fertility changes in Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

Studies were caried out to find out the substitution response of chemical fertilizers with organic manures and biofertilizers in different proportions on quality production and soil fertility on black clay soils-growing Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco), at Dr Punjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth, during 2021-23. There was maximum fruit yield through balanced nutrition. The highest fruit yield was observed with the application of 100 % NPK + FYM (50 kg /tree) + biofertilizers + S + Zn + Fe + B as one combination of integrated nutrient management. Additionally, all other integrated nutrient management treatments showed promising results, with regard to fruit quality, juice recovery percentage, total soluble solids and TSS: acid ratio, compared to only chemical fertilizers. The integrated use of organic manures, biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers improved fertility status of soil, represented by available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur compared to individual application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. These studies showed the role of integrated nutrient use for quality production of Nagpur mandarin grown on black clay soils of central India.