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Effect of Organic and Chemical Fertilizer Application on Apple Nutrient Content and Orchard Soil Condition

Author

Listed:
  • Takamitsu Kai

    (Kurokawa Field Science Center, Meiji University, Kawasaki 215-0035, Japan)

  • Dinesh Adhikari

    (Compass Minerals Innovation Center, Stilwell, KS 66085, USA)

Abstract

Apple cultivation in Japan typically involves the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides which can damage the environment. Therefore, in this study we investigated the orchard soil biochemical characteristics as well as the fruit nutrient contents, and pesticide residues of apples grown either organically (organic fertilizers + reduced pesticides) or with conventional chemical fertilizers and pesticide rates. Compared with conventional chemical fertilizer treatment, the organic fertilizer treatment produced fruit with significantly higher contents of sugar, as well as soil with higher total carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. There were also significantly greater soil bacterial biomass and N circulation in the organically fertilized treatments. Minimal pesticide residues were detected in the organically fertilized fruits, but in the apples cultivated with conventional rates of fertilizers and pesticides there were significantly higher levels of propargite that was used to control spider mites. These residue levels from the conventionally fertilized orchards exceeded European and Codex residue standards. These results indicate that environmentally friendly arboricultural soil management practices, such as organic fertilizer and reduced pesticide cultivation can enhance nutrient cycling in soil, reduce the burden on the environment, and promote food safety and security.

Suggested Citation

  • Takamitsu Kai & Dinesh Adhikari, 2021. "Effect of Organic and Chemical Fertilizer Application on Apple Nutrient Content and Orchard Soil Condition," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-10, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:11:y:2021:i:4:p:340-:d:533688
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. de Ponti, Tomek & Rijk, Bert & van Ittersum, Martin K., 2012. "The crop yield gap between organic and conventional agriculture," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 1-9.
    2. John P. Reganold & Jerry D. Glover & Preston K. Andrews & Herbert R. Hinman, 2001. "Sustainability of three apple production systems," Nature, Nature, vol. 410(6831), pages 926-930, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marcos Guerra & Miguel Ángel Sanz & Álvaro Rodríguez-González & Pedro Antonio Casquero, 2021. "Summer Pruning, an Eco-Friendly Approach to Controlling Bitter Pit and Preserving Sensory Quality in Highly Vigorous Apple cv. ‘Reinette du Canada’," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-11, November.
    2. Lian-Jie Wan & Yang Tian & Man He & Yong-Qiang Zheng & Qiang Lyu & Rang-Jin Xie & Yan-Yan Ma & Lie Deng & Shi-Lai Yi, 2021. "Effects of Chemical Fertilizer Combined with Organic Fertilizer Application on Soil Properties, Citrus Growth Physiology, and Yield," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-15, November.

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