Beneficial Role of Biofertilization on Yield Related Characteristics of Two Apple Cultivars and Soil Microorganisms Under Orchard Conditions

Abstract

Intensive development of agriculture and increasing utilization of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers significantly contributes to a series of undesirable effects and results in excessive environmental pollution. Approximately half of all nitrogen applied to boost agricultural production escapes its intended use and is lost to the environment. Over the past years, fruit growing practice has been focused on a new concept, which relies primarily on the application of microbial inoculants i.e. biofertilizers. In line with the concept, we conducted comparative study of the effect of bio-and chemical fertilizer applications on yield-related characteristics of "Granny Smith" and "Čadel" apple cultivars and microbiological properties of the soil. The yield-related characteristics of the tested plants were evaluated for generative potential parameters i.e flowering intensity, fruit set intensity, final fruit set intensity and yield (kg tree -1 ; t ha -1 ).The microbiological properties of soil were monitored by determining the total microbial count, numbers of soil fungi, actinomycetes, oligonitrophilic bacteria and Azotobacter. The analysis of the results points to the fact that the efficient apple nutrition management should ensure both enhanced and sustainable production. This approach seems to contain a certain potential as an appropriate technique in commercial apple production, which may improve yield-attributing characteristics and soil fertility.

Soil fertility management in apple orchard with microbial biofertilizers

“…Inoculation with Azotobacter, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus cultures increased yield of apple cvs. 'Granny Smith' and 'Čadel' as compared to artificial fertilization [21]. Biofertilizer application (based on Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Lysobacter and Ohtaekwangia species) increased the yield as well as microbiological and biochemical activity of the soil in the long-term study in China [21].…”

“…'Granny Smith' and 'Čadel' as compared to artificial fertilization [21]. Biofertilizer application (based on Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Lysobacter and Ohtaekwangia species) increased the yield as well as microbiological and biochemical activity of the soil in the long-term study in China [21]. Monoculture inoculation of chernozem soil with A. chroococcum and B. mucilaginosus enhanced the soil microbial activity and optimized its available nutrient content, but the yield was significantly lower than in the orchard fertilized by chemical fertilizers at a maximal studied rate (broad applied N120P60K120 and fertigated with N35P25K35) [23].…”

Effect of microbiologically enriched fertilizers on soil microorganisms in the rhizosphere of apple trees

“…In recent years, research has been intensified to limit the use of mineral fertilizers (due to environmental costs) and to improve the fertility of arable soils through the use of various types of biofertilizers (Mosa et al 2016;Pešaković et al 2017;Zhu et al 2020). Derkowska et al (2014;2017) observed that the use of Micosat F, a preparation containing microorganisms, had a positive effect on the root system of apple trees.…”