IMPROVEMENT OF SOME NUT QUALITY FACTORS BY MANURE, AMMONIUM, AND IRON APPLICATION IN ALKALINE SOIL PISTACHIO ORCHARDS

Abstract

This study carried out to investigate the effect of manure, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and iron (Fe) on nut quality in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.). Manure and ammonium (NH₄) nutrition decreased the hull fresh weight of the fruits compared to control and nitrate-fed trees, respectively. The fresh weight of blank nuts decreased and the fresh weight of split nuts increased significantly with Fe application. The fresh weight of half-kernel nuts decreased with Fe and ammonium nutrition compared to control and nitrate-fed trees, respectively. Organic manure increased the calcium (Ca), Fe, and zinc (Zn) concentrations significantly. Although ammonium decreased Ca and magnesium (Mg) in leaves significantly, it caused an increase in the Zn and sodium (Na). Iron application in the form of iron sulfate increased Fe concentration in the leaves, although, this increase was not significant. It is concluded that manure, ammonium, and Fe application to pistachio trees can improve some nut quality factors in alkaline soils of Iranian pistachio orchards.

Keywords:

• fertilizers
• nitrogen
• nutrients
• organic matter
• Pistacia vera L.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Financial support from the research deputy of Vli-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan is gratefully acknowledged.