Abstract

Imtiyaz A. Wani and M.Y. Bhat

The effectiveness of combined application of inorganic fertilisers and organic manures was studied on four walnut selections in temperate region of India (Kashmir). The experiment consisted of four selections and six treatments replicated five times and three tree in each replication in Factorial Randomized Block Design. All fertilizers and manures were applied in the first week of December beneath the tree canopy and mixed well with soil. There was significant difference in yield and nut quality parameters among different walnut selections under different treatments. Maximum yield 6.82 kg/tree) was found in selection S2 under treatment T4. The quality parameters of walnut were found improved by combined effect of inorganic fertilisers and vermicompost. Maximum nut weight (13.16g), kernel weight (7.17 g), kernel protein content (18.31 per cent). Among selections highest nut weight (12.5 g) was found in S4. Thus it may be concluded that application of 75% fertilizer through inorganic coupled with 25% vermicompost was the best treatment for optimum yield and fruit quality. Among the selections, S2 showed better performance with respect to yield and quality followed by selection S1.