Changes in Qualitative and Quantitative Traits of Anatolian Chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.) Fruit Due to Balanced Macro Fertilization

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determined effect of different doses of N: P: K applications on fruit yield and some quality traits in Anatolian chestnut in Bursa (Turkey) ecological condition during 2013 and 2014. In the research, triple experimental zones were determined in a 20-year-old chestnut orchard. Each of these experimental zones consisted of 30 trees. As experimental treatments, 1.1, 2.2, 3.3, and 4.4 lb N tree-1 (N application zone; NAZ), 0.55, 1.1, 1.65, and 2.2 lb P tree-1 (P application zone; PAZ), 1.1, 2.2, 3.3, and 4.4 lb K tree-1 (K application zone; KAZ) were applied except for the control dose. The fertilizer doses were applied by mixing to 30 cm depth of tree canopy soil in April. According to analyses of collected, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium affected fruit yield by 30, 31, and 27%, respectively. Total protein increased the fastest at the nitrogen application's zone (NAZ) at an average of 14% rate. The highest increasing in carbohydrate, starch, and invert sugar was recorded as 20, 24, and 18%, respectively at N: P: K application's zone.