Effect of Inorganic and Organic Fertilisers on Yield and Soil Nutrient Status of Walnut Orchard

Abstract

The present study was aimed to determine the effect of integrated application of inorganic and organic fertilisers on nut yield and soil nutrient status of walnut orchard under temperate region of India (Kashmir) during year 2011 and 2012. The experiment consisted of four selections [SKAU/002 (S1), SKAU/008 (S2), SKAU/024 (S3) and SKAU/040 (S4)] of walnut and six mineral  treatments [T1 (100% NPK recommended as per package of practices), T2 {100% through manure (FYM 50% + vermicompost 25% + poultry manure 25%)}, T3 (75% NPK inorganic fertilizers + 25% FYM), T4 (75% NPK inorganic fertilizers + 25% vermicompost), T5 (75% NPK  inorganic fertilizers + 25% poultry manure) and T6 {75% NPK inorganic fertilizers + 25% manure (1/3 FYM + 1/3 vermicompost + 1/3 poultry manure)} replicated five times and three trees in each replication in Factorial Randomized Block Design. All fertilizers and manures were applied in the first week of December beneath the tree canopy and mixed well with soil. Maximum yield 6.82 kg/tree and nut weight, 13.66 g in selection SKAU/024 were obtained with the application of 75% NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 25% through vermicompost .Combined application improved soil nutrient status. Highest available nitrogen (338.59 kg/ha), phosphorus (20.80 kg/ha) and calcium (1312.25ppm), available zinc (1.19 ppm), manganese (66.66 ppm), iron (55.95 ppm) and copper content (2.74 ppm) was found in treatment 75% NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 25% through vermicompost, whereas, maximum available potassium (259.27 kg/ha) and magnesium (268.86 ppm) was observed in treatment  {100% through manure (FYM 50% + vermicompost 25% + poultry manure 25%)}. The application of 75% fertilizer through inorganic coupled with 25% vermicompost enhanced yield as well as soil nutrient status followed by treatment 75% fertilizer through inorganic coupled with 25% poultry manure.