Effects of the Integrated Nutrient Management on Plant Growth and Soil Biochemical Properties in Table Grape and Tangerine during Establishment.

Integrated nutrient management (INM) that combines the use of adjusted nutrient rates, more efficient fertilizer sources, organic matter application, and soil inoculation, is a practice that is being rapidly adopted by Chilean fruit producers. The effects of INM on plant and soil are several, and their mechanisms differ depending on plant species and soil condition. The present work had the objective of evaluating the effect of the addition of different types of organic matter, as a complement of conventional fertilization, on soil quality, agronomic variables, yield, and fruit quality in table grape and tangerine.

The study was performed in 100 L pots using an alluvial soil with medium fertility levels. Thirty treatments were established, including two C sources (compost and humic substances), at four C rates (0,625, 1250, and 2500 kg C/ha and 0, 125, 250, and 500 kg C/ha, for compost and humic substances, respectively), in the presence or absence of chemical fertilization and soil inoculant. Variables measured included, among others: shoot growth, root density, enzymatic activity, indol acetic acid (IAA), C and available nutrients, and aggregate stability. Shoot growth was estimated by using an optical sensor ground sensor to measure the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)

Results indicated that INM significantly affected soil physical and biochemical properties which in turn affected plant shoot and root growth.  

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FONDECYT 1130975