Uman National University | today: 05/28/2026
| Author(s) |
Фоменко О. О., , , Коваленко Г. О., , , Лизун К. В., , , Синенко Д. І., , , ДЕМ’ЯНЮК О. С., , , |
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| Category | The Agronomy | ||
| year | 2026 | issue | Issue 108 part 1 |
| pages | 399-409 | index UDK | 631.4:634.11 | DOI | 10.32782/2415-8240-2026-108-1-399-409 (Link) |
| Abstract | The aim of the research was to evaluate the agrochemical and agrophysical fertility indicators of dark gray podzolized soil under long-term continuous cultivation of apple trees and to determine their influence on the condition and productivity of the crop. The research was conducted within the framework of cooperation between Uman National University and Institute of Agroecology and Environmental Management of NAAS. The object of the study was a field experiment that has the status of a national heritage site, “Unique Research Agroecosystem of the Apple Orchard of Uman State Agrarian University,” where apple trees have been continuously cultivated since 1931. The results of comprehensive studies on the impact of long-term continuous apple cultivation on the properties of dark gray podzolized soil and the effectiveness of different fertilization systems are presented. It was established that prolonged apple monoculture without fertilizer application leads to intensive acidification of the soil solution (pH down to 4.67), deterioration of nutrient and water regimes in the root-inhabited soil layer, which negatively affects tree condition and productivity. The application of organic (manure at 40 t/ha) and organo-mineral (manure at 20 t/ha + N₆₀P₆₀K₆₀) fertilization systems provided the most balanced effect on soil fertility indicators and apple tree productivity. Their long-term use stabilized the soil reaction within the range of pH 5.48–5.64, increased the humus content (3.10–3.64%), available phosphorus (up to 336.7 mg/kg) and potassium (up to 175.0 mg/kg), and ensured moisture retention in the 0–60 cm soil layer during critical vegetation phases (July). The highest average yield in 2023–2025 was obtained under the organo-mineral fertilization system, reaching 13.34 t/ha with an increase in fruit yield of 3.02 t/ha. The application of manure at a rate of 40 t/ha contributed to obtaining fruits with the highest biological value in terms of sugar content (6.13%) and vitamin C content (5.10 mg/100 g). The research results provide a basis for the implementation of the organo-mineral fertilization system as the most adaptive approach for intensive orchard management under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. | ||
| Key words | dark gray podzolized soil, fertilization systems, apple monoculture, fertility indicators, yield, fruit quality | ||