Variation in leaf macro nutrient status of pear orchards of Kashmir with altitudes

The present study was undertaken to find out the concentration of macronutrients in the foliage of “Bartlett” cultivar of pear orchards in Kashmir valley located at different altitudes so that site specific nutrient management programme can be developed. The study revealed that phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur were in adequate amounts in all the orchards while nitrogen was low in 14 per cent orchards. The nutrients under study varied significantly among the orchards in three altitudes. The leaf magnesium showed negative relationship with all macronutrients; however potassium was antagonistic only to calcium.