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<p>Potassium (K) deficiency has emerged as a critical constraint for sustainable apple production in highland regions, yet spatial variability of soil K status and site-specific fertilization responses remain poorly characterized. A survey-based study was initiated where soil samples (0–15 and 15–30&#xa0;cm) were collected from 60 representative apple orchards to analyze various K fractions. Additionally, Geostatistical analysis using semi-variogram modeling in GIS was also used to map the spatial distribution of K, and then a field trial was conducted in orchards with low, medium, and adequate initial K status to assess the impact of variable doses of K<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> on apple fruit quality and yield attributes. Spatial analysis of the experimental site revealed that surface soil contained higher plant-available K fractions, while substantial reserves of non-exchangeable K (1500–3800&#xa0;mg kg⁻¹) remained locked in mineral forms. Spatial analysis also showed that orchards of the central Swat valley had 20% lower extractable K compared to peripheral areas. Based on extractable K status, orchards were classified into deficient, medium, and adequate categories for targeted fertilization trials. Application of 300&#xa0;g K<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> plant<sup>− 1</sup> enhanced fruit yield, firmness, total sugars, and vitamin C content up to 45, 39, 37.98, and 23.57%, respectively, under K-deficient conditions, compared to the unamended control group. Strong positive correlations (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) were observed between K application rates and apple fruit quality attributes. Overall, these findings provide evidence-based K status of Swat orchards and also highlight the significance of precision K management in enhancing apple productivity and quality attributes in the temperate highland apple-grown areas of Pakistan.</p>

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Geostatistical spatial mapping of soil potassium fractions and targeted fertilization strategies for improving apple productivity and fruit quality in highland orchards

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月17日

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  • Maria Niaz,
  • Muhammad Tariq Siddque,
  • Khalid Saifullah Khan,
  • Ishfaq Ahmed Hafiz,
  • Muhammad Iqbal,
  • Qaisar Hussain,
  • Munazza Yousra,
  • Humair Ahmed,
  • Asif Kamal,
  • Shaimaa A. M. Abdelmohsen,
  • Muydinjon Muminov,
  • Muhammad Tahir Naseem

摘要

Potassium (K) deficiency has emerged as a critical constraint for sustainable apple production in highland regions, yet spatial variability of soil K status and site-specific fertilization responses remain poorly characterized. A survey-based study was initiated where soil samples (0–15 and 15–30 cm) were collected from 60 representative apple orchards to analyze various K fractions. Additionally, Geostatistical analysis using semi-variogram modeling in GIS was also used to map the spatial distribution of K, and then a field trial was conducted in orchards with low, medium, and adequate initial K status to assess the impact of variable doses of K2SO4 on apple fruit quality and yield attributes. Spatial analysis of the experimental site revealed that surface soil contained higher plant-available K fractions, while substantial reserves of non-exchangeable K (1500–3800 mg kg⁻¹) remained locked in mineral forms. Spatial analysis also showed that orchards of the central Swat valley had 20% lower extractable K compared to peripheral areas. Based on extractable K status, orchards were classified into deficient, medium, and adequate categories for targeted fertilization trials. Application of 300 g K2SO4 plant− 1 enhanced fruit yield, firmness, total sugars, and vitamin C content up to 45, 39, 37.98, and 23.57%, respectively, under K-deficient conditions, compared to the unamended control group. Strong positive correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between K application rates and apple fruit quality attributes. Overall, these findings provide evidence-based K status of Swat orchards and also highlight the significance of precision K management in enhancing apple productivity and quality attributes in the temperate highland apple-grown areas of Pakistan.