Effect of Soil K Nutrition on Mineral Composition and Fruit Quality of Apple (Red Delicious) Under Temperate Conditions

Four different levels of potassium (K) viz., K₀, K₇₅₀, K₁₅₀₀ and K₂₂₅₀ g K₂O/tree as soil application were applied to estimate the effect on mineral composition and fruit quality of apple cv. RED DELICIOUS, subsequently it was observed that increase in K levels from K₀ to K₂₂₅₀ significantly increased the leaf K and Fe content, whereas it significantly decreased the content of P, Ca, Mn, Zn and Cu. Fruit quality parameters like fruit weight, length and diameter increased significantly with K application upto K₂₂₅₀ level and was at par with level K₁₅₀₀. Fruit TSS and colour also showed increased trend with a simultaneous decrease in fruit acidity.