Author(s)

Takamitsu Kai, Masaki Mukai, Kiwako S. Araki, Dinesh Adhikari, Motoki Kubo^*

Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Biwako-Kusatsu Campus, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan.

Physical and biochemical properties of apple orchard soils of different productivities (orchard A: 30 t·ha^-1; orchard B: 20 t·ha^-1) were analyzed. Most of the physical properties were similar in both orchards. In orchard A, the horizontal saturated hydraulic conductivity at 10-cm depth was 16.42 cm·day^-1, and was about four times higher than that in orchard B (4.41 cm·day^-1). Total carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus were about two times higher in orchard B soil, whereas total potassium, bacterial biomass, nitrification, and phosphorus mineralization activities were similar in both orchards. Excess nutrients accumulated on the top 15 cm layer of orchard B soil because the topographical and physical conditions were associated with reduced apple productivity. Appropriate management of fallen leaves and reduction of chemical fertilizer seem necessary for a high level of apple productivity.

Apple Orchard Soil, Physical Properties, Biochemical Properties, Fruit Yield

Kai, T. , Mukai, M. , Araki, K. , Adhikari, D. and Kubo, M. (2015) Physical and Biochemical Properties of Apple Orchard Soils of Different Productivities. Open Journal of Soil Science, 5, 149-156. doi: 10.4236/ojss.2015.57015.