TITLE:
Physical and Biochemical Properties of Apple Orchard Soils of Different Productivities
AUTHORS:
Takamitsu Kai, Masaki Mukai, Kiwako S. Araki, Dinesh Adhikari, Motoki Kubo
KEYWORDS:
Apple Orchard Soil, Physical Properties, Biochemical Properties, Fruit Yield
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Soil Science,
Vol.5 No.7,
July
13,
2015
ABSTRACT: Physical and biochemical properties of apple orchard soils of different productivities (orchard A: 30 t·haǃ orchard B: 20 t·haǃ) were analyzed. Most of the physical properties were similar in both orchards. In orchard A, the horizontal saturated hydraulic conductivity at 10-cm depth was 16.42 cm·dayǃ, and was about four times higher than that in orchard B (4.41 cm·dayǃ). Total carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus were about two times higher in orchard B soil, whereas total potassium, bacterial biomass, nitrification, and phosphorus mineralization activities were similar in both orchards. Excess nutrients accumulated on the top 15 cm layer of orchard B soil because the topographical and physical conditions were associated with reduced apple productivity. Appropriate management of fallen leaves and reduction of chemical fertilizer seem necessary for a high level of apple productivity.