To evaluate the values of electrical conductivity and growth parameters of apple saplings in nursery fields

The experiment was conducted in completely randomized block design with split plot arrangement, having three replications at IARI, Regional Station, Shimla-4 (H.P) in India. Research was conducted in 2013–14 to evaluate the values of pH & EC of apple nursery fields and its impact on growth parameters. Keeping in view the concentration of soluble salts, pH values were recorded to know the chemical properties of soil. Experimental soil samples were collected from 15–30 cm depth of each plot to record the values of pH and EC. Controls were irrigated alternately with fresh water. While the irrigation practices in rest of the treatments were planned day wise. The present study indicated that the application of biocontrol agent (Trichoderma viride) fortified with FYM, soil amendment with Vitex leaves (1kg/m2) and Vermicompost in nursery field soil gave maximum values of growth parameters of apple saplings. Treatment wise mean pH value ranged from 6.88 to 7.12 and maximum pH value for observed vigorous growth parameters were7.03 exceptfor leaf area i.e. 7.11. Similarly, the mean EC values ranged from 269.68 μS/cm to 352.00 μS/cm and maximum vigorous growth parameters were observed on EC value 332.33 μS/cm except for leaf area i.e. 352.00 μS/cm.