Journal of Environmental Biology

Micronutrients status and soil physico-chemical characteristics of apple orchards of temperate district Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, India

S.K. Chaudhary¹*, N. Kotwal¹, M.K. Sharma¹, N. Sharma¹, S.K. Sharma¹ and A.S. Charak²     

¹Regional Horticultural Research Sub Station-Bhaderwah, Sher-e-Kashmir University of  Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu-182 222, India

²Krishi Vigyan Kendra Doda, Sher-e-Kashmir University of  Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu-182 221, India

Received: 17 July 2024                   Revised: 22 December 2024                   Accepted: 01 April 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : sanju_soils@rediffmail.com                     *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2728-5180

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate status and establish inter relationship among micronutrients and soil physico-chemical characteristics of apple orchards located in district Doda, Jammu and Kashmir.

Methodology: In an extensive survey, one-hundred and five apple orchards covering five blocks across district Doda were studied for soil physico-chemical characteristics, micronutrients status and their interdependence using standard procedures.

Results: The studied soils varied from loamy sand to clay in texture with organic carbon 1.51%, EC 0.14 dSm^-1 and pH range 4.71-8.36 in surface soils. The corresponding values recorded in sub-surface soils were 1.13%, 0.13 dS m^-1 and 4.76-8.42. These soils contained sufficient amounts of available Fe, Cu and Mn, about 25% being low in available Zn. Available Zn, Cu and Fe along with soil organic carbon and/or pH could significantly explain about 76, 54 and 55% of total variability in their respective leaf contents. Soil OC and pH explained 26% variability in leaf Mn.

Interpretation: Deficiencies/toxicities of Zn, Cu and Fe in these orchards can be overcome by suitably manipulating their available contents together with soil organic carbon and pH.

Key words: Apple orchards, Correlation coefficients, Jammu & Kashmir, Micronutrients, Temperate region

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