Effect of fertigation on growth, yield and quality of almond under Kashmir conditions

Abstract

An experiment was conducted for three consecutive years during 2011-12 to 2013-14 with an objective to improve growth, yield and quality of almond by fertigation. There were seven fertigation treatments laid out in randomised block design with three replications. The results revealed maximum plant height (3.67 m), TCSA of main trunk (101.22 cm2), primary, secondary and tertiary branches (20.51 cm2, 6.66 cm2 and 1.97 cm2 ), canopy volume (8.21m3), and nut yield (4.94 kg/tree and 5.48 t/ha), leaf nitrogen and potassium content (2.39 % N and 1.41%K) with 75% RDF through fertigation (split application of N : K in the ratio of 2/3N : 1/3K at nut set to nut development and 1/3N : 2/3K at kernel filling to maturation stage(T-4). The highest fruit number (2208/tree), however, was recorded with 100% RDF through fertigation (T2). The maximum nut weight and size (2.29 g and 36.51 × 21.45 mm), kernel weight and size (1.48 g and 24.71 × 14.59 mm) were recorded with 50% RDF through fertigation (T5) treatment of almond variety Waris under Kashmir valley condition.