Soil fertility management in apple orchard with microbial biofertilizers

Abstract

Intensification of horticulture in Russia involves planting of new high-density orchards with drip irrigation and fertigation as well as intensification of the exploitation of traditional orchards. This approach involves an increase in mineral fertilizer application imposing the risk of soil fertility loss. For several reasons, the use of traditional organic fertilizers like manure in orchards is currently marginal. Although bacteria-based biofertilizers cannot substitute mineral fertilizers completely, they can significantly reduce the need for mineral fertilizer application. The effect of microbial biofertilizers of the brands “Azotovit” (Azotobacter chroococcum), “Phosphatovit” (Bacillus mucilaginosus), as well as a mixture of bacteria and the fungus, “Organic” (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Trichoderma harzian) was studied in two field experiments. In the experiment #1, the preparations “Azotovit” and “Phosphatovit” were delivered through a drip irrigation system in various combinations with mineral fertilizers. In experiment #2, the preparation “Organic” was also applied to the soil with irrigation water, also in combination with the mineral fertilizer. When solely applied, none of the studied preparations changed significantly the soil nutrient content and yield as compared with the variant fertilized by the mineral fertilizer at the maximum studied application rate. The combination of the microbial biofertilizer and mineral fertilizers applied at a low rate ensured the yield commensurate to that obtained under high-rate application of the mineral fertilizer.

Essential Role of Potassium in Apple and Its Implications for Management of Orchard Fertilization

“…However, the use of B. mucilaginosus in an apple orchard on chernozem soils did not increase significantly the exchangeable K concentration in the rhizosphere of the trees; on the contrary, it was considerably lower than when mineral K fertilizer was applied [22]. Microbiological biofertilizers significantly affected apple yield only in combination with mineral K fertilizer application, although the latter were applied at a reduced rate [101,102]. Holb et al [103] compared the nutrient uptake among 39 apple cultivars in non-irrigated conventional and organic orchards at soil pH 5.1.…”

The influence of biofertilization on the vegetative growth, yielding and nutritional status of 'Sampion' apple trees in first years after planting

“…Derkowska et al (2017) have observed that the use of Micosat F, a preparation containing microorganisms, has a beneficial effect on the root system of apple trees. In the cultivation of 'Berkutovskoye' apple trees, Kuzin et al (2020), using half the dose of NPK fertilizers (N 45 P 15 K 60 ) together with a consortium of microorganisms (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis, B. megaterium, Trichoderma harzianum), obtained an apple yield of the same amount as that obtained with the full NPK dose (N 90 P 30 K 120 ). The positive effect of microorganisms applied together with mineral fertilizers in full and reduced doses has also been noted in other cultivated species (Zafar-ul-Hye et al 2015).…”

Sustainable Agricultural Systems for Fruit Orchards: The Influence of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria on the Soil Biodiversity and Nutrient Management

“…In Table 5, specific examples of the application of PGPB in fruit orchards can be found, for different species. In the case of apples according to Kuzin et al, 2020, fruit yield (kg tr −1 ), was improved when PGPB was applied (12-13%), in comparison with the control (11%) [62]. Thokchom et al, 2014, applied PGPB to citrus plant and evaluated the growth, registering an increase on plant height (40-55 cm) when compared with the control (31 cm) [90].…”