Determination of sampling period and leaf position for critical nutrient analysis in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa

For precise diagnosis of leaf nutrient content, it is essential to determine the season of sampling and position of leaves. A field trial was conducted to standardize the leaf sampling technique for nutrient diagnosis in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa grown under semi-arid tropical climate of Solapur, Maharashtra. The results revealed that the seasonal variation in leaf nutrient content was higher and most unstable during rainy season followed by winter and summer season. Monthly analysis of leaf samples showed that leaf N (0.70 to 0.99%), K (1.08 to 1.14%) and Ca (1.41 to 1.58%) content stabilized during November to June, April to June and February to June month respectively. Leaf P content remained more or less constant while Fe and Cu showed maximum fluctuation throughout the year. There was gradual reduction in P (0.195 to 0.121%), Zn (30.6 to 21.4 ppm) and increase in Ca (1.40 to 1.79%) content up to 10^th leaf pair from growing tip. It is ideal to collect 10^th leaf pair from growing tip during the month of February to March for nutrient diagnosis in the plant.