Physico-chemical Characteristics and Nutrient Status of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Orchards in North-Western India

One hundred eight soil samples were collected from 12 guava orchards existing at different locations as well as 108 soil samples from non-orchard soils adjoining in the vicinity of selected orchards spread over five blocks of district Rewari namely Bawal, Rewari, Jatusana, Khol and Nahar. The samples were collected from 3 depths (0-15, 15-30, 30-60 cm) and analyzed for physico-chemical properties and available nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The composite leaf sample of guava plants was also collected from each orchard. Rewari district soils (orchard and non-orchard) were sandy loam to loamy sand in nature. The calcium carbonate content in soils showed an increasing trend with depth and it increased significantly with an increase in sand and pH. Soils were alkaline with low organic carbon and nearly one-third of samples were saline. Available nitrogen was low, available phosphorus was low to medium while available potassium was medium to high in soil samples. Despite the high content of available potassium in soils, the plant leaves were found deficient in potassium. Therefore, the use of balanced fertilizers is required for sustainable and enhanced productivity of the guava orchards.