Precision nitrogen fertigation for improved apple quality and reduced leaching

TL;DRAbstract

Nitrogen (N) management is a balance to meet tree demands for current seasons crop as well as for internal storage for the subsequent season whilst reducing N loss. Whilst fertigation is commonly practised by apple growers in Australia, research into tree nutrient requirements and therefore approaches to supply is limited. In the Huon valley of southern Tasmania, we applied N (Ca(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>) treatments pre- and post-harvest combined with three seasonal irrigation treatments over two seasons to 10 year-old Galaxy trees grafted on M26 rootstocks. Above-ground, we measured yield, fruit quality attributes, leaf and fruit N content. Below ground, we measured soil N content and leaching below the root zone using drainage lysimeters. Pre-harvest N application and high irrigation treatment significantly increased fruit size, however, firmness was reduced both at harvest and after four weeks cold storage (under normal atmosphere). Fruit background colour

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