Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Shahzad Ahmad Bhat, Nowsheen Nazir, Aroosa Khalil, Shamim Ahmad Simnani, Shabir Ahmad Bangroo, Nageena Nazir, Farooq Ahmad Khan and Javeed Iqbal Ahmad Bhat

Abstract:
The present study entitled “Impact of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources on Growth Parameters of Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh) cv. Red Chief” was carried out during 2021-2022, in the experimental field of Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-K on four year old apple plants cv. Red chief grafted on M₉ rootstock planted at a distance of 3 m× 1m trained on tall spindle system. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (factorial) comprised of 30 treatment combinations involving two sources of nutrients in which soil application (10 levels) and foliar (3 levels). Each treatment combination were replicated thrice. All other cultural practices were performed uniformly. The control treatment (S₀) represented the recommended fertilizer dose (185 g N + 100 g P + 240 g K). S_1:(30% NPK + 70% FYM + Bioinnoculants + Wood ash), S₂: (50% NPK + 50% FYM + Bioinoculants + Wood ash), S_3: (70% NPK + 30% FYM + Bioinoculants + Wood ash), S_4: (30% NPK + 70% Vermicompost + Bioinoculants + Wood ash), S_5: (50% NPK + 50% Vermicompost + Bioinoculants + Wood ash), S_6: (70% NPK + 30% Vermicompost + Bioinoculants + Wood ash), S_7: (50% FYM + 50% Vermicompost + Bioinoculants + Wood ash), S_8: (100% FYM + Bioinoculants + Wood ash), S_9: (100% Vermicompost + Bioinoculants + Wood ash). Foliar application F_0: [Ca (0.3%) + B (0.15%) + Zn (0.5%) + K (1.5%)] acted as control and F_1: [Ca (0.2%) + B (0.1%) + Zn (0.4%) + K (1.4%)], F_2:Ca (0.5%) + B (0.2%) + Zn (0.6%) + K (1.6%). it was concluded that the integrated use of 70% NPK + 30% (Vermicompost + Bionoculants + Wood ash) along with the foliar application of Ca (0.5%) + B (0.2%) + Zn (0.6%) + K (1.6%) is recommended for growers seeking improved growth characteristics of the plant. These findings contribute to the knowledge base of sustainable horticultural practices and serve as a valuable resource for apple growers and researchers, aiding in the development of targeted nutrient management strategies that maximize yield potential and ensure the production of high-quality apples.