Effect of magnesium fertilization on some plant nutrient interactions and nut quality properties in Turkish hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.)

Abstract

Plant nutrient interactions and fertilization is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of hazelnuts. This study aimed to determine the relationships between some plant nutrients and some hazelnut quality criteria and yields. The trial was carried out at Tombul hazelnut orchards in Hazelnut Research Station between 2009 and 2011. The trial was designed as randomized complete blocks of magnesium nutrient at five different doses and three replications per treatment. Hazelnut orchards were fertilized with 0, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha-1 magnesium in each year. Magnesium fertilization significantly affected hazelnut yield and quality. However, increasing amounts of magnesium fertilizer in the soil, where they cause significant nutrient interactions were identified. The magnesium content of the soils significantly increased to 260.30 mg kg-1 ; however, because of the recent interactions, the available phosphorus and potassium of the soil decreased to 84.28 and 298.24 mg kg-1 significantly. The total yield was increased to 1747.05 kg ha-1 with 150 kg ha-1 magnesium fertilization. The protein quantity in the kernel was not changed but there was important increased in oil content, kernel ratio, shelled and kernel nut weight and healthy nut amounts, and also was decreased in the amount of empty and wrinkle nuts were identified. Although the total yield increased with increasing amount of magnesium fertilizer (200 and 250 kg ha-1), especially the phosphorus and potassium interactions were increased in the soil, and also some nut quality properties such as kernel ratio, shelled and kernel weights, total oil, healthy nuts, empty and wrinkle nuts were be getting worse.