Soil fertility management in apple orchard with microbial biofertilizers

Andrei Kuzin,Ludmila Stepantsova,Alexei Solovchenko,Grigory Pugachev,O Loretts,V Kukhar,A Ruchkin,S Vinogradov,N Ojha

doi:10.1051/e3sconf/202022203020

Abstract

Intensification of horticulture in Russia involves planting of new high-density orchards with drip irrigation and fertigation as well as intensification of the exploitation of traditional orchards. This approach involves an increase in mineral fertilizer application imposing the risk of soil fertility loss. For several reasons, the use of traditional organic fertilizers like manure in orchards is currently marginal. Although bacteria-based biofertilizers cannot substitute mineral fertilizers completely, they can significantly reduce the need for mineral fertilizer application. The effect of microbial biofertilizers of the brands “Azotovit” (Azotobacter chroococcum), “Phosphatovit” (Bacillus mucilaginosus), as well as a mixture of bacteria and the fungus, “Organic” (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Trichoderma harzian) was studied in two field experiments. In the experiment #1, the preparations “Azotovit” and “Phosphatovit” were delivered through a drip irrigation system in various combinations with mineral fertilizers. In experiment #2, the preparation “Organic” was also applied to the soil with irrigation water, also in combination with the mineral fertilizer. When solely applied, none of the studied preparations changed significantly the soil nutrient content and yield as compared with the variant fertilized by the mineral fertilizer at the maximum studied application rate. The combination of the microbial biofertilizer and mineral fertilizers applied at a low rate ensured the yield commensurate to that obtained under high-rate application of the mineral fertilizer.

Highlights

The number of apple orchards, including high-density intensive orchards, is rapidly increased in Russia
Optimum supply of nutrients is a prerequisite for ample high-quality yields. This requires increased fertilizer application rates adjusted for the actual soil nutrient content, crop load, etc
Overapplication of fertilizers leads to environmental pollution, washout of the nutrients to groundwater [1, 2, 3], and to soil fertility degradation via acidification [4, 5] or salinization [6]

Summary

Introduction

The number of apple orchards, including high-density intensive orchards, is rapidly increased in Russia. Optimum supply of nutrients is a prerequisite for ample high-quality yields. This requires increased fertilizer application rates adjusted for the actual soil nutrient content, crop load, etc. Certain bacterial species could steadily supply available nutrients to plants [9]. The effect of PGPB on plants stems from the transformation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compounds into the forms available to plants. They produce plant hormone-like compounds, enzymes, and other substances with biopesticide and biostimulant activity [11]

Objectives

Methods

Results