| Mediterranean climatic conditions for stone fruit production are good but soil fertility is low, mainly due to low (< 2.0%) soil organic matter (OM). Consequently, conventional growers apply high fertiliser rates (typically ~350 Kg N ha-1 yr-1). Our main objectives were to compare the effects of 2 modes of nitrogen nutrition, suitable for organically certified orchard vs a conventional control on tree development, yield, and some soil chemical, physical and biological properties. The orchard is located on a Grumosol soil, in the Jezreel Valley, Israel and is treated organically in terms of plant protection and weed control. The orchard was planted to peach, plums and nectarines in 1998, all grafted onto rootstock CV. 677. The tested treatments were: A.... |
