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The objective of our research was to compare the nutritional aspects of organic and integrated production systems in apples (Malus domestica Borkh., Rewena, Retina, and Reanda) in the region of Hajdusag (eastern Hungary). Adjacent pairs of production systems were studied. In our 2-year study, the macronutrient statuses of soil and leaves as well as fruit inner parameters were compared in integrated and organic apple management systems to determine the differences in nutrient uptake and utilization with the aim to improve and harmonize nutrient supply in environmentally benign apple orchards. The effects of year, cultivar, and production system were studied on leaf mineral concentrations and acid and sugar contents of apples. There were no differences in soil nutrient contents between examined production systems. Regarding leaf mineral composition, the year effect was significant for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) and less significant for potassium (K) and calcium (Ca). Production system ...

A field trial has been conducted on 5-year-old Sweet Lady and Royal Glory peach cultivars on a sandy loam soil at Siofok, West Hungary, since 2009. Four in-row ground management systems (pine bark mulch, cow manure, black fabric cover, and no cover with herbicide applications) were evaluated in a plot design with three replicates to study their effects on the soil temperature and nutrient contents of leaves. The fluctuation of soil temperature was more moderate with mulch and manure as groundcover. Leaf nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) concentrations increased but leaf magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) decreased because of the treatments. Leaf manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) content were slightly affected by the treatments and the changing was not significant at some treatments. Overall, our results suggest that leaf nutrient concentrations respond differentially to different mulches.