Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify the influence of biofertilizer application resulting from energy production from corn biomass on nutrient uptake by pear plants during the growing cycle, and on fruit quality. The experiment was carried out on a Siltic Haplic Calcisol in the Italian province of Ferrara, in a medium-density Abbé Fétel commercial orchard. Treatments consisted of control (no application) and biofertilizer (30 m3 ha-1 biofertilizer application on the row), with four replicates. The following variables were evaluated: mineral N, microbial biomass and respiration in soil; nutrient content in leaves; and fruit quality. Biofertilizer application increased soil mineral N availability; soil microbial biomass and respiration, but the content of this nutrient did not increase in leaves. Leaf nutrient concentration varied during growth season and biofertilizer application increased potassium, phosphorus and zinc concentration in mature leaves and reduced leaf magnesium and manganese concentration. Biofertilizer application reduced fruit dry matter content, total soluble solids and boron concentration, with no effect on fruit firmness and titratable acidity. Biofertilizer application has positive effect on soil mineral N dynamics and soil microflora, altering the content of nutrients in leaves, favoring fruit production.
Index terms
Soil nitrate; Pyrus communis; Organic fertilization; Biodigester effluent; Corn biomass biofertilizer
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