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 in using 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 different organic manures with sole and conjoint applications were applied to the experimental vines. In addition to the abovementioned 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 concerning growth yield and fruit quality characteristics at harvest and after 10 days of 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 highest with the combined application of FYM and VC (50:50).