Mineral nutrition optimization for apple trees by fertigation to enhance productivity and fruit quality in intensive orchards of southern Kazakhstan

In response to Kazakhstan's priority of enhancing food security and reducing fruit imports, this study investigates the efficacy of different fertilization methods on the yield, fruit quality, and economic performance of intensive apple orchards. Given the increasing area of apple cultivation in Kazakhstan, optimizing fertilization practices is crucial for maximizing production and ensuring sustainability.: The study aims to evaluate the impact of three fertilization methods- existing technology without NPK, NPK incorporation into the soil, and fertigation-on the yield and quality of Geromini apple trees grown on dwarf M9 rootstocks. The research also assesses the economic efficiency of each method. Conducted from 2019 to 2022 in Turkestan, Kazakhstan, the study employed a randomized block design with four replications for each fertilization Treatment. Key parameters measured included fruit yield, quality (sugar content, dry matter, firmness), macroelement uptake (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), and economic metrics. Fertigation emerged as the most effective method, resulting in the highest average gross yield (30.6 t/ha), marketable yield (28.7 t/ha), and fruit quality metrics, including sugar content (24.1%) and average fruit weight. Fertigation also demonstrated superior macroelement uptake, with the highest levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Economically, fertigation proved to be the most cost-effective method, providing a favorable return on investment compared to soil incorporation and traditional fertilization methods. The study concludes that fertigation significantly enhances both the yield and quality of apples while optimizing economic returns. This method’s efficiency in nutrient delivery and uptake positions it as the most advantageous practice for intensive apple orchards. Further research is recommended to refine fertigation techniques and explore sustainable practices for long-term orchard productivity.