Impact of Compost, Humic Acid and Mineral Fertilizers on Growth and Fruiting of Guava Trees

Abstract

Response of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) trees of six years old planted on clay loam soil to farm residues compost , Humic acid or Humic either alone or together and supplemented with the half dose of traditional chemical fertilizers was studied during 2010 and 2011 seasons. The obtained results indicated that organic fertilizers supplemented with the half dose of traditional chemical fertilizers (1.75 kg ammonium sulphate 20.6% N, 0.75kg Potassium sulphate 48% K2O and 0.75 kg calcium super phosphate 15.5% P2O5 per tree) significantly increased tree fruiting and improved fruit physical and chemical quality characteristics. Also, leaf area, dry weight and NPK content of leaves were increased, as well as shoot length and thickness. The treatment of 4 kg compost associated with 20 gm Humic acid in combination with the half dose of traditional chemical fertilizers per tree was superior to other treatments, while organic fertilizers without chemical fertilizers exerted low effect.