Vegetative growth and nutritional status of pre-bearing Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata) under different surface drainage systems

The experiment was conducted during 1998-2000 in pre-bearing Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) orchard grown on black soil of central India. Different surface draieage systems i e, bedding system (6-m wide raised beds, 30 cm-high at the centre of the plant and sloping towards both the ends), land forming and 30 cm deep trapezoidal trenches dug across the slope at 6-m (after every row), 12-m (after 2 rows) and 18-m (after 3 rows) were tested along with control. Highest nitrogen concentration in the leaf was observed in trenches dug at 6-m interval while phosphorus and magnesium were highest in bedding-system treatment. The uptake of micronutrients (Fe, Mn and Zn) was the highest under temporary alternate waterlogging condition. Potassium and copper uptake remained unaffected by different treatments. Highest increase in plant height, canopy volume, stock and scion girth was observed under bedding-system treatment. Out of different drain spacing treatrments, trenches dug at 6-m interval proved effective in imparting a good response in vegetative growth of the plant. Bedding system was highly effective in providing well-drained conditions in 0-15 cm soil depth during rainy season.