Nitrogen fertilization affects yield and fruit quality in pear

• Autor(a) principal: Sete, Paula Beatriz
• Data de Publicação: 2019
• Outros Autores: Comin, Jucinei Jose, Ciotta, Marlise Nara, Salume, Jamilli Almeida, Thewes, Fabio, Brackmann, Auri, Toselli, Moreno, Nava, Gilberto, Rozane, Danilo Eduardo [UNESP], Loss, Arcangelo, Lourenzi, Cledimar Rogerio, Couto, Rafael da Rosa, Brunetto, Gustavo
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Institucional da UNESP
• Texto Completo: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2019.108782; http://hdl.handle.net/11449/196209
• topic: Nitrogen fertilization; Soil mineral N; Most economical dose; Fruit quality

Mineralized nitrogen (N) from organic matter and decomposing residues in most soils are not always taken into account. Little is known about the correct N application dose for pear trees to promote yield and fruit quality, without increase the risk of N loss into the environment. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of N doses application on N soil content, tree yield and fruit quality. The treatments consisted of the application of 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg N ha(-1) year(-1), whereas urea was applied on the soil surface in September and February for 5 seasons (2011/12 to 2015/16). Leaves were collected, prepared and submitted to nutrient analysis. Fruit weight, number and yield were evaluated. Soil samples were collected at 0-0.20 m for 3 seasons (2013/2014 to 2015/2016), prepared and submitted to NH4+-N and NO3-N analysis, and then mineral N content was calculated. Peel color, ethylene production, and respiration rate were analyzed in the 2015/2016 crop season after 90 days inside the controlled atmosphere storage chamber. The fruits were kept at ambient conditions for 7 days and evaluated again for peel color, ethylene production and respiration rate, as well as destructive parameters such as titratable acidity, soluble solids and pulp firmness. The doses of N application affect the fruit number and yield, but did not affect leaf nutrient concentration. The highest N levels in the soil were observed in the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 crops. The most economical doses were 122.0, 66.4, 22.5 and 96.0 kg N ha(-1) in the crops of 2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2013/2014 and 2015/2016 respectively.