Response of Growth and Leaf Nutritional Status to Different Irrigation Levels and Potassium Soil Applied Rates of Some Plum Trees “Santa Rosa and Golden Japanese” Cultivars
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the response of vegetative growth and leaf nutritional status of two plum cultivars, Santa Rosa and Golden Japanese, to different irrigation levels and potassium soil application rates during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Three irrigation regimes (100%, 80%, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration, ETc) were combined with four potassium rates (600, 900, 1200, and 1600 g K₂O per tree). Vegetative growth parameters, including shoot length, number of leaves per shoot, and leaf area, as well as leaf nutrient contents of macro- (N, P, K) and micro-elements (Fe, Zn, Mn), were evaluated. Results indicated that trees irrigated at 100% ETc and supplied with higher potassium rates (1200 and 1600 g K₂O/tree), either individually or in combination, recorded the highest significant values for all vegetative growth traits in both cultivars. Treatments of 80% ETc ranked second, while the lowest growth responses were observed under 60% ETc combined with the lowest potassium rate. Leaf nutritional status was significantly improved by higher irrigation levels (100% and 80% ETc) and moderate to high potassium rates (K₂, K₃, and K₄), whereas the lowest values were recorded under water deficit and low potassium supply. Significant differences were detected among irrigation levels and potassium rates in both seasons.
Source: Horticulture Research Journal
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7128922185