Comparative Effect of Natural and Chemical Farming Systems of Apple Production on Soil Physio-chemical Properties, Leaf Mineral Content and Fruit Quality

The present study was conducted to compare the effects of natural and chemical farming system of apple production on soil, leaf nutrient status and fruit quality. The results indicated significant difference in primary (N, P, K) and secondary ((6.12, 0.48 dS m-1) in CFS than NFS (5.77, 0.38 dS m-1), while OC was reported to be higher (2.03 %) in Ca, Mg) macronutrient status of leaf and soil samples collected from the study orchards (p<0.05). Among micronutrients, status of Cu and Zn were recorded to be significantly different in both the farming systems whereas, Fe and Mn were recorded to be non-significant. Soil pH and EC were recorded to be higher NFS than CFS (1.78 %). Fruit length, breath, weight and TSS showed significant difference in both the farming systems. Mean fruit length, breadth, weight, and acidity was recorded to be higher (65.80 mm, 71.62 mm, 159.65 g, 0.64 %) in CFS than NFS (58.87 mm, 62.72 mm, 122.41 g, 0.48 %). While firmness and TSS were recorded to be higher (6.95 kg inch-2, 12.27 ᵒBrix) in NFS than CFS (5.64 kg inch-2, 10.91 ᵒBrix). It can be concluded that nutrient status of soils and leaves was higher in CFS.