Tree growth, yield, fruit quality attributes and leaf nutrient content of ‘Roxana’ apricot as influenced by natural zeolite, organic and inorganic fertilisers

Abstract

Apricot tree growth, productivity, fruit quality attributes, and nutritional status of leaves of cv. ‘Roxana’ were evaluated under different fertilization treatments from the first to the fifth year after planting on acidic soil in Western Serbia. Treatments including applications of cattle manure, complex NPK (15:15:15) mineral fertiliser, multi-nutrient fertiliser commercially named Multi Comp Base (NPK+MgO+Me+humic acids), two types of N (calcium ammonium nitrate and urea) mineral fertilisers, natural zeolite (type “Agrozel”) and control (no fertilization). Results showed that both N fertilisers promoted tree growth, precocity, yield performances and soluble solid content, whereas Multi Comp Base fertiliser, in general, provoked the best values of the most fruit physical attributes, ripening index, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. Also, respectable values of some physical traits, total phenolic contents and yield efficiency were provided by Agrozel and manure, respectively. Differences among fertiliser treatments for leaf macro- and micronutrients content at 120 days after full bloom (DAFB) were significant, except for leaf B. In general, all fertiliser applications and control promoted excessive leaf P and insufficiency of N, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and B. Leaves Mn and Cu status were not consistent. High imbalances among macronutrients were promoted by NPK and Agrozel, while the best balances among micronutrients were induced by NPK.