Effect of different irrigation and fertigation schedules on growth and productivity of Red Velox apple in Northwestern Himalayan region

Abstract

The present study was conducted at the experimental farm of Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) to study the effect of different irrigation and fertigation schedules on growth and productivity of Red Velox apple in Northwestern Himalayan region. A factorial experiment comprised of sixteen treatment combination of four drip irrigation levels viz. drip irrigation at 100% ETc (I1), drip irrigation at 80% ETc (I2), drip irrigation at 60% ETc (I3), conventional irrigation (I4) and four levels of fertigation viz. absolute control; no application of fertilizer (F0), 100% of adhoc dose of NPK (F1), 75% of adhoc dose of NPK (F2) and 50% of adhoc dose of NPK (F3) were replicated thrice with three plants in each replication. With an increase in the volume of water and an increasing dose of NPK, vegetative growth parameters (tree height, tree spread, trunk girth, tree volume and annual extension growth), leaf nutrient content and yield were noted to be significantly increased. Drip irrigation at 100% ETc (I1) and fertigation at 100% of adhoc dose of NPK (F1) significantly increased the growth, foliage nutrient content and productivity of apple. Interaction I1F1 recorded highest growth parameters, leaf NPK content as well as yield. The results of two years experiment indicated a positive impact of drip irrigation and fertigation schedules on enhanced fertilization effectiveness and improved vegetative growth, leaf nutrient content and yield of apple.