High density planting studies in acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

Response of Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) to high density planting systems

“…It reduces the photodecomposition triggered loss of soil organic carbon. The decreasing organic carbon content with the increasing plant spacing could be attributed to the exposure of more soil surface to sunrays in wider spacings 6 . It takes about 3 years to oxidize 2–14% of organic carbon in soils due to sunlight 11 .…”

“…It indicated that there was the highest sunlight utilization per unit area in ultra high density plantings, which could be due to higher coverage of leaf area than control. Plants grown under these treatments facilitated better utilization of solar radiation and increased photosynthetic efficiency of the plant 6 .…”

“…Periodical pruning and training of the threes could have removed considerable amounts of nutrients in various plant parts. Moreover, substantial amount of nutrients could be required to produce nearly three times more fruit yield per unit area as compared to the plants grown under conventional system of plantation, thereby, reducing nutrient contents in leaf in long run 6 .…”

“…Better utilization of solar radiation, increased nutrients, water and photosynthetic efficiency facilitated the increase in yield. As such under UHD, the largest amount of fruit bearing area per unit volume could be attained if the trees are planted as narrow hedges at about 1.8 m spacing with tree height and distance between rows adjusted to allow sufficient light 4 , 6 . Higher yields in close spacing confirms the findings of Nawaz et al .…”

“…It is the concept of HDP to exploit vertical and horizontal cropping area, to reap maximum profit against invested inputs and natural resources. The HDP and UHDP not only provide initial high production and net returns, especially during first 10–15 years, but also facilitates efficient use of fertilizers, irrigation and other inputs 3 – 6 . The main advantages of these intensive systems of cropping are precocity, low cost per unit production, possibility of higher mechanization, automation as in fertigation with higher input use efficiency.…”