‘Palmer’ Mango Yield as Affected by Soil Class and Pedon Physicochemical Characteristics

Abstract

To evaluate the variation in ‘Palmer’ mango yield related to soil formation and soil physical and chemical properties, we studied a transect with 11 soil profiles, selected according to the altitude in a commercial orchard. Surface and subsurface diagnostic horizons were described up to two meters in depth. Soil depth, texture, structure, consistency, clay coating, cementation, and color of each horizon were morphologically determined. Undisturbed and disturbed samples were used to determine the soil total porosity, macroporosity, microporosity, density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, granulometry, total organic carbon, pH, sum of bases, and the contents of P, S, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn. The number of fruits (for production estimates), stem diameter, canopy area, and plant height were determined in four plants around each soil profile. Three classes of soil showed good suitability for mango cultivation: Argisol Red-Yellow Eutrophic typic, Cambisol Haplic Eutrophic Tb, and Latosol Red Yellow Eutrophic typic. The ‘Palmer’ mango yield was correlated with the K contents, sum of bases, and pH. The low yield was a result of the low K content associated with the presence of gravel.