Soil spatial variability and site-specific fertilization maps in an apple orchard

Abstract

In the present study, the spatial variability of some soil physical and chemical properties in a 0.8 ha apple orchard were studied. Sixty soil samples were taken from two sampling depths: 0-0.3 m and 0.3-0.6 m. The soil samples were analyzed for the following soil properties: soil texture, pH, cation exchange capacity and NO(3)-N, NH(4)-N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, B and organic matter content. Data analysis indicated that most of the nutrients were at sufficient levels. The site-specific application map for N was created based on the amount of N that was removed from the soil with the yield of the previous year. By applying N site-specifically, 38% of N could be saved compared to uniform application.