Nutrient uptake, growth and yield of pomegranate as influenced by irrigation frequencies under light textured soils

Abstract

Aim: In the arid ecosystem water supply is limited and it is imperative to adopt proper irrigation schedules to harvest more crop per drop of water. The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of irrigation frequencies on performance of pomegranate grown under light textured soils of semi-arid regions. o Methodology: The study was carried out in newly planted pomegranate orchard grown in light textured soils. The treatments consisted of application of irrigation on every day and cumulative irrigation at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 day interval. Leaf samples were analysed for macro- and micronutrient contents. Leaf temperature and chlorophyll content was estimated periodically. Plant vegetative growth and yield contributing characteristics were measured to relate with irrigation frequency. Results: The leaf nutrient indicators like N, P, K and Fe had more influence on vegetative growth of the plant during fruiting years. Irrigation on every alternate day maintained cool plant canopy as indicated by lowest leaf temperature during fruiting period. Highest leaf chlorophyll content (59.6), fruit yield (6.237 kg plant-1) and fruit quality in terms of highest juice recovery (49.2 %) and lowest juice acidity (0.44%) were obtained on alternate day irrigation treatment. Fruit cracking to the extent of 21.3, 18.9 and 10.2 % was observed in 5, 4 and 3 day interval treatments, respectively. Interpretation: Plant performance in terms of vegetative growth, flowering, fruit yield and fruit cracking were influenced by irrigation frequencies. Due to low water retention capacity of light textured soils, cumulative irrigation should be provided at 1 day interval.