Response of kiwifruit yield and fruit quality to chloride‐containing fertilizers. (10th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Lili; Zhu, Zhijun; Zhang, Jinshui; Gao, Yimin; Wang, Xingmei; Liu, Gaoyuan; Li, Na; Ma, Long; Tong, Yan‐an
• Is Part Of: Agronomy Journal. Volume 112:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 1012
• Page End: 1020
• Publication Date: 2020-02-10
• Subjects: Agronomy -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.1002/agj2.20074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-1962

Abstract

Abstract: A 3‐yr field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of chloride‐containing fertilizer application on the yield and fruit quality of kiwifruit and the distribution of chloride ions (Cl – ) in plants and soil. Five chlorine treatments were applied in a 10‐yr‐old kiwifruit ( Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward') orchard: (1) CO(NH2 )2 + Ca(H2 PO4 )2 + K2 SO4 (control, 0 kg Cl ha −1 ); (2) CO(NH2 )2 + Ca(H2 PO4 )2 + 1/2KCl + 1/2K2 SO4 (170 kg Cl ha −1 ); (3) CO(NH2 )2 + Ca(H2 PO4 )2 + KCl (340 kg Cl ha −1 ); (4) 1/2CO(NH2 )2 + 1/2NH4 Cl + Ca(H2 PO4 )2 + KCl (910 kg Cl ha −1 ); and (5) NH4 Cl + Ca(H2 PO4 )2 + KCl (1480 kg Cl ha −1 ). In terms of the 3‐yr average (2015–2017), a higher yield of kiwifruit was obtained under chlorine treatments at levels of 170 and 340 kg Cl ha −1, which increased by 18 and 12.5% compared with the control. Despite no significant differences in fruit soluble solids, titratable acid, and soluble sugar contents, all chlorine treatments, especially 910 and 1480 kg Cl ha −1, resulted in less vitamin C content after 3 yr of application compared with the control. Increasing chlorine application increased Cl – concentrations in both the plants and soil; however, maximum concentrations did not exceed the safe concentrations (<20 g kg −1 and < 400 mg kg −1, respectively). In conclusion, applying a restricted amount of chloride‐containing fertilizers (170–340 kg Cl ha −1 ) could increase kiwifruit yield under the experimental conditions, with no harm to plant leaves or soil.