1 Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Regional Horticultural Research Station, Mashobra, Shimla 171 007
2 Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan 173 230.
*Corresponding author
A field experiment was conducted on the response of different mulching materials and methods of P and K fertilizers application in apple cv. Red Delicious during 1999–2000, 2000–2001 and 2001–2002 at RHRS, Mashobra, Shimla. There was conspicuous and significant effect on apple production and soil health. Soil organic carbon and available N, P and K contents were recorded maximum under T4 (grass mulched + band application of P and K fertilizers) treatment, whereas minimum values of soil organic carbon and available N, P and K contents were recorded under T5 (unmulched + broadcasting and mixing of P and K fertilizers) treatment during the years 2000–2001 and 2001–2002. Growth parameters, fruit characteristics and yield were also recorded maximum under T4 treatment and minimum under T5 treatment during the three years. Better fruit quality was recorded under T4 (grass mulched + band application of P and K fertilizers) treatment. It was concluded that grass mulching with band application of P and K fertilizers was most efficient in improving soil health, enhancing vegetative growth and producing better quality apple fruits.
Apple, soil health, fruit characters
