Nutrient dynamics in sweet orange as affected by plant density and nutrient source Tatewar Anup V.1, Hota Debashish2,*, Mohanty Sukirti2, Nayak Shreya Shree2, Karna Ajay Kumar2, Mishra Subhrajyoti2 1Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India 2Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be) University, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India *Corresponding authors email: dhota3@gmail.com
Online Published on 14 February, 2024. Abstract With the increasing population, it is very difficult to supply protective food like citrus. However, high-density planting and integrated nutrient management. Therefore, this experiment was taken up carrying three spacing configurations and four nutrient sources treatments (RDF through FYM, inorganic source, vermicompost and neem cake). Different spacing configurations significantly affected horticultural parameters. Wider spacing of 6m x 6m resulted in superior fruit quality, while closer spacing of 6m x 4m increased yield per hectare. The 50% inorganic and 50% organic nutrient treatment (50% RDF + 50% Vermicompost) produced the best results. The interaction of nutrient management and spacing (S : 6m x 6m and N: 50% RDF + 50% Vermicompost) highlights the importance of integrated nutrient management in optimizing soil nutrient health [organic carbon (0.74%), N (250.83 kg/ha), P (21.37 kg/ha), K (418.13 kg/ha), Fe (6.9 mg/kg), and Zn (0.71 mg/kg)]. Increased soil nutrient status maintained the source-sink relationship and ultimately increased the yield (38.15 kg of fruit yield/plant), and quality(45.56% juice, 10% TSS, 0.43% acidity, 48.14mg/100 ml juice ascorbic acid and 5.98% total sugar). This research provides valuable insights for sustainable citrus cultivation practices amid the challenges posed by a growing population. Top Keywords Sweet orange, Plant density, Integrated nutrient management, Soil nutrient, Fruit quality. Top |