Micronutrients status and soil physico-chemical characteristics of apple orchards of temperate district Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate status and establish inter relationship among micronutrients and soil physico-chemical characteristics of apple orchards located in district Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. Methodology: In an extensive survey, one-hundred and five apple orchards covering five blocks across district Doda were studied for soil physico-chemical characteristics, micronutrients status and their interdependence using standard procedures. Results: The studied soils varied from loamy sand to clay in texture with organic carbon 1.51%, EC 0.14 dSm-1 and pH range 4.71-8.36 in surface soils. The corresponding values recorded in sub-surface soils were 1.13%, 0.13 dS m-1 and 4.76-8.42. These soils contained sufficient amounts of available Fe, Cu and Mn, about 25% being low in available Zn. Available Zn, Cu and Fe along with soil organic carbon and/or pH could significantly explain about 76, 54 and 55% of total variability in their respective leaf contents. Soil OC and pH explained 26% variability in leaf Mn. Interpretation: Deficiencies/toxicities of Zn, Cu and Fe in these orchards can be overcome by suitably manipulating their available contents together with soil organic carbon and pH. Key words: Apple orchards, Correlation coefficients, Jammu & Kashmir, Micronutrients, Temperate region