Nutrient dynamics in apple: Analyzing macro and micronutrient distribution in leaves and fruits

Kerem Mertoğlu; Levent Kırca

Article Details

Nutrient dynamics in apple: Analyzing macro and micronutrient distribution in leaves and fruits

Authors:

Kerem Mertoğlu | Levent Kırca

Publisher:

Gültekin ÖZDEMİR

Main Topics:

Horticultural Production (Other)

Journal:

International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences Vol.9 Issue 1, pp.123-131

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001340218

pISSN:

2618-5946

Keywords:

Abstract:

 Apple cultivation is a key component of sustainable agriculture, significantly contributing to global fruit production. This study aimed to analyze the macro and micronutrient contents in apple leaves and fruits and to evaluate their relations with each other. The research was conducted in Denizli, Türkiye, using the Scarlet Spur apple cultivar grafted onto MM 111 rootstock, with a planting density of 4.5  2.5 m. Nutrient concentrations were measured using ICP-AES and spectrophotometric techniques. The results showed that nitrogen 0.500.63 and potassium 0.100.94 were the most abundant macronutrients in fruit, whereas calcium 0.040.06 and magnesium 0.060.07 were lower. Among micronutrients, iron 7.409.20 ppm and boron 98.35115.55 ppm were found in higher concentrations, while zinc 2.072.44 ppm and copper 1.701.80 ppm were relatively low. Leaf tissues exhibited higher nutrient concentrations than fruit, with nitrogen 2.412.56, potassium 1.661.83, and calcium 1.491.63 being dominant. Strong negative correlations were observed between nitrogen and calcium in fruit r  -0.99, while calcium and magnesium in leaves showed a strong positive relationship r  0.99. These results suggest that proper nutrient management is essential to improve fruit quality and optimize yield. The study emphasizes the necessity of balanced fertilization strategies and highlights the potential of apples as a rich dietary source of essential minerals. Future research should focus on optimizing fertilization practices and understanding the environmental factors influencing nutrient uptake.

 Apple cultivation is a key component of sustainable agriculture, significantly contributing to global fruit production. This study aimed to analyze the macro and micronutrient contents in apple leaves and fruits and to evaluate their relations with each other. The research was conducted in Denizli, Türkiye, using the Scarlet Spur apple cultivar grafted onto MM 111 rootstock, with a planting density of 4.5  2.5 m. Nutrient concentrations were measured using ICP-AES and spectrophotometric techniques. The results showed that nitrogen 0.500.63 and potassium 0.100.94 were the most abundant macronutrients in fruit, whereas calcium 0.040.06 and magnesium 0.060.07 were lower. Among micronutrients, iron 7.409.20 ppm and boron 98.35115.55 ppm were found in higher concentrations, while zinc 2.072.44 ppm and copper 1.701.80 ppm were relatively low. Leaf tissues exhibited higher nutrient concentrations than fruit, with nitrogen 2.412.56, potassium 1.661.83, and calcium 1.491.63 being dominant. Strong negative correlations were observed between nitrogen and calcium in fruit r  -0.99, while calcium and magnesium in leaves showed a strong positive relationship r  0.99. These results suggest that proper nutrient management is essential to improve fruit quality and optimize yield. The study emphasizes the necessity of balanced fertilization strategies and highlights the potential of apples as a rich dietary source of essential minerals. Future research should focus on optimizing fertilization practices and understanding the environmental factors influencing nutrient uptake.

 Apple cultivation is a key component of sustainable agriculture, significantly contributing to global fruit production. This study aimed to analyze the macro and micronutrient contents in apple leaves and fruits and to evaluate their relations with each other. The research was conducted in Denizli, Türkiye, using the Scarlet Spur apple cultivar grafted onto MM 111 rootstock, with a planting density of 4.5  2.5 m. Nutrient concentrations were measured using ICP-AES and spectrophotometric techniques. The results showed that nitrogen 0.500.63 and potassium 0.100.94 were the most abundant macronutrients in fruit, whereas calcium 0.040.06 and magnesium 0.060.07 were lower. Among micronutrients, iron 7.409.20 ppm and boron 98.35115.55 ppm were found in higher concentrations, while zinc 2.072.44 ppm and copper 1.701.80 ppm were relatively low. Leaf tissues exhibited higher nutrient concentrations than fruit, with nitrogen 2.412.56, potassium 1.661.83, and calcium 1.491.63 being dominant. Strong negative correlations were observed between nitrogen and calcium in fruit r  -0.99, while calcium and magnesium in leaves showed a strong positive relationship r  0.99. These results suggest that proper nutrient management is essential to improve fruit quality and optimize yield. The study emphasizes the necessity of balanced fertilization strategies and highlights the potential of apples as a rich dietary source of essential minerals. Future research should focus on optimizing fertilization practices and understanding the environmental factors influencing nutrient uptake.

 Apple cultivation is a key component of sustainable agriculture, significantly contributing to global fruit production. This study aimed to analyze the macro and micronutrient contents in apple leaves and fruits and to evaluate their relations with each other. The research was conducted in Denizli, Türkiye, using the Scarlet Spur apple cultivar grafted onto MM 111 rootstock, with a planting density of 4.5  2.5 m. Nutrient concentrations were measured using ICP-AES and spectrophotometric techniques. The results showed that nitrogen 0.500.63 and potassium 0.100.94 were the most abundant macronutrients in fruit, whereas calcium 0.040.06 and magnesium 0.060.07 were lower. Among micronutrients, iron 7.409.20 ppm and boron 98.35115.55 ppm were found in higher concentrations, while zinc 2.072.44 ppm and copper 1.701.80 ppm were relatively low. Leaf tissues exhibited higher nutrient concentrations than fruit, with nitrogen 2.412.56, potassium 1.661.83, and calcium 1.491.63 being dominant. Strong negative correlations were observed between nitrogen and calcium in fruit r  -0.99, while calcium and magnesium in leaves showed a strong positive relationship r  0.99. These results suggest that proper nutrient management is essential to improve fruit quality and optimize yield. The study emphasizes the necessity of balanced fertilization strategies and highlights the potential of apples as a rich dietary source of essential minerals. Future research should focus on optimizing fertilization practices and understanding the environmental factors influencing nutrient uptake.

Article Details

Nutrient dynamics in apple: Analyzing macro and micronutrient distribution in leaves and fruits

Authors:

Kerem Mertoğlu | Levent Kırca

Publisher:

Gültekin ÖZDEMİR

Main Topics:

Horticultural Production (Other)

Journal:

International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences Vol.9 Issue 1, pp.123-131

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001340218

pISSN:

2618-5946

Fruit quality

Nutrient uptake

Macro and micronutrients

Sustainable agriculture

Issues

Article Details

Nutrient dynamics in apple: Analyzing macro and micronutrient distribution in leaves and fruits

Authors: Kerem Mertoğlu | Levent Kırca

Publisher: Gültekin ÖZDEMİR

Main Topics: Horticultural Production (Other)

Journal: International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences Vol.9 Issue 1, pp.123-131

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 3/2025

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001340218

pISSN: 2618-5946

Fruit quality

Nutrient uptake

Macro and micronutrients

Sustainable agriculture

Issues

Authors:

Kerem Mertoğlu | Levent Kırca

Publisher:

Gültekin ÖZDEMİR

Main Topics:

Horticultural Production (Other)

Journal:

International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences Vol.9 Issue 1, pp.123-131

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001340218

pISSN:

2618-5946