Phytoavailable phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K2O) in topsoil for apple orchards and vineyards, South Tyrol, Italy

摘要

Accurate fertilization management is a present-day challenge and can conciliate profitability and sustainability in agriculture production. This study presents topsoil concentrations of P_(2)O_(5) and K_(2)O in apple orchards and vineyards in South Tyrol, Italy. Sixteen thousand georeferenced soil samples were collected and spatialized using ordinary local kriging. Measured average and maximum concentrations of P_(2)O_(5) were 260 and 1500?mg/kg, respectively, in apple orchards, and 280 and 880?mg/kg, respectively, in vineyards. Similarly, measured average and maximum concentrations of K_(2)O were 210 and 1040?mg/kg, respectively, in apple orchards, and 250 and 820?mg/kg, respectively, in vineyards. Overall, K_(2)O concentration was mostly within the recommended thresholds, while P_(2)O_(5) concentration was frequently higher than the target level for optimal production. The resulting maps (1:25,000 scale) of P_(2)O_(5) and K_(2)O showed modest accuracy with RMSE of 115.7 and 78.3?mg/kg, respectively. These maps can support evidence-based decision making by multiple stakeholders.