DETERMINATION OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF APPLE (Malus communis L.) ORCHARDS IN KAYSERI (TURKEY) WITH SOIL AND LEAF ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study was carried out in 2020 to determine the mineral nutrition status of some apple orchards in Develi and Yahyalı districts of Kayseri province with soil and leaf analysis. Soil samples were analyzed for texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), lime (CaCO3), organic matter, available phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and copper. On the other hand, in leaf samples, nitrogen and boron analyzes were also carried out in addition to the processes performed in soil samples. By comparing the analysis results of the leaf and soil samples with the limit values of the apple species, the nutrient status and nutritional problems of the examined orchards were tried to be determined. According to the results of the study, the soil texture in the orchards is generally loamy (38.1%) and clay-loam (31.0%). While there was not salinity problem in the orchards, lime problem was determined in 81% of the orchards. In terms of organic matter, the orchards were predominantly (75.2%) in the "low" and "very low" categories. No serious deficiency was detected in the orchards in terms of nutrient elements, and the highest deficiency was determined as phosphorus (P) with 40.5% and copper (Cu) with 21.4% of the orchards. Iron and manganese elements were found sufficient in all of the orchards.