The Content of Some Antioxidants in Apple Depends on the Type of Fertilization
Different agro-technical measures are used in growing apples and fruit crops in general in an attempt to increase the rate of photosynthesis and, hence, both the quantitative and qualitative value of the fruit. Very rapid and effective results in terms of an increase in the above parameters can be achieved through adequate fertilization adapted to plant requirements. Fertilization can substantially alter and disrupt the course of plant development if fertilizers are inadequately applied, regardless of the adequately pre-determined plant nutrient requirements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of four different types of fertilization on the pigment and antioxidant content of apple cv. Idared (Malus domestica cv. Idared) grown in orchards in the municipality of Gradacac. The results obtained show that fertigation and foliar fertilization induced the statistically highest increase in the test parameters. These types of fertilization, if adequately employed, provide nutrition to plants according to their requirements at a specific phenostage, leading to increased yields and enhanced fruit quality, and indirectly reducing nutrient leaching from soils – a frequent accompanying manifestation of other fertilization types.