Journal ID : AMA-05-02-2025-13438
[This article belongs to Volume - 56, Issue - 02]
Total View : 368

Title : Mitigating Fruit Cracking in Bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.) Fruits through Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Application and Mulching in Hot Arid Regions

Abstract :

This experiment assessed the effects of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on bael fruit production, with a focus on mitigating fruit cracking in hot arid regions. The highest fruit yield of 41.65 kg per plant was achieved with the application of NPK, 60 kg FYM, and mulching with black polythene, followed by NPK + 60 kg FYM combined with crop residue mulching (35.26 kg/plant). This treatment also demonstrated superior fruit set, retention, and minimal fruit drop. Leaf nutrient analysis showed significant variations among treatments, with the highest nitrogen content (1.90%) observed in plants treated with NPK + 60 kg FYM and black polythene mulching, which correlated with increased fruit yield. The highest phosphorus content (0.73%) was also recorded in this treatment. In contrast, control plants exhibited lower nutrient levels (1.47% nitrogen, 0.41% phosphorus, and 1.12% potassium) and the lowest fruit weight (0.41 kg). Both organic manures and inorganic fertilizers contributed to an improvement in total soluble solids (TSS) content, with the highest TSS (47.15° Brix) found in fruits treated with NPK + 60 kg FYM and black polythene mulching. Effective nutrient and moisture management, supported by organic manures and mulching, significantly improved bael fruit yield and quality. This study focused on the importance of balanced nutrient supply and soil conservation techniques in enhancing bael productivity and mitigating fruit cracking in arid conditions.

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