Analysis of Chemical and Biological Soil Properties in Organically and Conventionally Fertilized Apple Orchards

Abstract

We compared chemical and biological properties of soils in organically and conventionally ferti-lized apple orchards in Nagano Prefecture (one of the major apple producing regions in Japan). Five apple orchards with different fertilizer management systems were used for this study. The total carbon and total nitrogen contents were higher in the organically fertilized orchard, while the total phosphorus and total potassium were at similar levels in both organically and conven-tionally fertilized orchards. The bacterial biomass did not differ between the two orchards, but the N circulation activity was clearly higher in the organically fertilized orchard from April to Decem-ber. Total carbon from 50,000 to 60,000 mg/kg, total nitrogen at about 3000 to 4000 mg/kg, and a C/N ratio of 15 -20 were suggested to be suitable conditions for a high level of apple production under an organic fertilizer management system.