Enhancement of Tree Vigor through Deep Plowing and Inorganic Soil Amendments Application in Japanese Pear

Abstract

The effects of deep plowing and inorganic soil amendments application on tree vigor of Japanese pear were investigated. The deep plowing improved soil physical properties. The application of inorganic soil amendments with deep plowing resulted in a further improvement, the most notably in perlite. The perlite improved also the soil chemical properties. The TTC reduction activity of roots was activated by perlite or vermiculite application. Moreover, perlite treatment alleviated the symptoms of Japanese pear stunt. These results indicated the posibilities that the combination of deep plowing and inorganic soil amendments application had positive effects on both enhancing the tree vigor of Japanese pear and on controlling the progress of the Japanese pear stunt.