Impact of varying soil moisture regimes on growth and soil nutrient availability in mango

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Central Institute for Sub-tropical Horticulture, Lucknow during 1995–1999 to evaluate the effect of different soil moisture regimes on tree growth and soil nutrient dynamics in mango orchard. It was observed that the regulated irrigation under available soil moisture (ASM) depletion levels influenced tree growth and nutrient availability. The annual increase in stem girth, tree height and canopy spread of trees under 45% ASM level was found to be superior to control. Available N, P, K and DTP-Aextractable micronutrients Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe registered the maximum values in 45% ASM levels followed by 60% and 30% ASM depletion levels Soil nutrients were positively and significantly correlated to one another. Available nutrients were in higher range in upper 50 cm layer as compared to deeper layers.