Abstract

VELOSO, Abel et al. Nutrition status of peach orchards in Beira Interior region. Rev. de Ciências Agrárias [online]. 2021, vol.44, n.4, pp.51-60.  Epub Dec 11, 2021. ISSN 0871-018X.  https://doi.org/10.19084/rca.25186.

Beira Interior has the largest Portuguese peach production area (1803 ha) and the expertise to produce this fruit with quality. This region has the only Portuguese Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for peach - PGI “pêssego Cova da Beira” and the marketing channels, technical assistance and several I&D actions related with this crop. There is also a steady search from the producers for new knowledge to maximize yields. Fertilization is a low-cost operation, representing approximately 8% of the overall production costs, which may lead to excesses. However, this operation is highly connected with nutrient availability and with nutrition status of the orchards. The last, together with irrigation, is important not only for the nutrition balance of plants, but also for their vigour, production and resistance to pests and diseases. The monitoring of 28 peach orchards since their installation allowed their nutrition status to be evaluated at the 3rd vegetative cycle. The results showed high levels of P and K in the soil. Despite this, 45% of the orchards showed K levels in leaves lower than the reference interval. In a similar way, Zn levels in leaves were also lower than the reference interval for that nutrient in 50% of the orchards.

Keywords : Prunus persica; soil fertility; leaf nutrient content; peach tree growth.

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