Characterization and Classification of Some Apple Growing Soils of Kashmir

Abstract

Apple (Malus domestica, Borkh), the premiere table fruit is grown all over the world in temperate climate. In India Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Himachal Pradesh are the principal fruit-growing states. In fact J&K has significant position in horticultural map of India with an area of 2.05 lakh hectares, contributing 89% of total fresh fruit production in the state (Anonymous 2004). Its cultivation was previously confined to Karewas and Kandi areas, but due to high economic returns farmers have started growing apples on low-lands too which has resulted in the production of poor-quality fruits. The physiographic features like slope aspect, relief and the altitude have pronounced effect on physical and chemical proper­ ties and also on the nutrient supplying capacity of the soils, thereby influencing growth, yield and quality of fruit. The information with regard to the impact of slope, altitude and aspect on the difference in mor­ phology, physico-chemical properties of apple-grow­ ing soils are scanty. Therefore, an attempt has been made to characterize and classify these soils.