Influence of organic amendments on growth, yield, fruiting and nutritional status of kiwifruit vineyard

Abstract

The increasing cost of fertilizers and growing ecological concerns have created considerable interest on the use of organics as a source of plant nutrients and boosting microbial activities. The present study was carried out to elucidate the effects of different organic manures viz; Farmyard manure (FYM), Vermicompost (VC) and Poultry manure on vine growth, yield, fruit quality characteristics and nutrient uptake of kiwifruit. The experiment consisted of eight treatments wherein, the sole and conjoint applications of different organic manures were applied to the experimental vines. In addition to the aforementioned treatments, common treatments of two liquid manures namely; Panchgavya (5%) and Jeevamrit and soil application of neem cake @ 1 kg/vine were also given. The effects of different organic treatments were compared with standard recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers (RDF). The results revealed variable responses of different organic amendments with respect to growth yield and fruit quality characteristics at harvest and after 10 days storage at ambient temperature. The leaf area, chlorophyll content, yield and physical parameters namely; fruit dimensions and fruit weight were recorded to be the highest with RDF and FYM. However, improvement in fruit quality parameters namely; TSS content, ascorbic acid and TSS acid ratio was noticed with the sole application of vermicompost. The total sugars content and leaf macronutrient uptakes were recorded highest with the combined application of FYM and VC (50:50).