Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 193-203 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 199 6.2 Availability and quality of qrganic fertilizers The availability and quality of organic fertilizers can also pose significant challenges. Organic fertilizers are often derived from various sources, including animal manure, compost, and crop residues, which can vary widely in nutrient content and quality. This variability can make it difficult to achieve consistent results in kiwifruit production. For example, a study on the effects of different organic manures on kiwifruit growth and yield found that the nutrient content and efficacy of the manures varied significantly, impacting the overall productivity and quality of the fruit (Wu et al., 2022). Additionally, the production of high-quality organic fertilizers through methods such as quick artificial decomposition of biological wastes can be complex and resource-intensive, further complicating their widespread adoption (Ma et al., 2021). 6.3 Regulatory frameworks and certification issues Regulatory frameworks and certification issues are another set of challenges that can hinder the adoption of organic fertilization practices in kiwifruit cultivation. Organic farming practices are subject to stringent regulations and certification standards, which can vary by region and country. These regulations often require detailed documentation and regular inspections to ensure compliance, which can be burdensome for farmers. Moreover, the lack of standardized guidelines for the use of organic fertilizers can lead to inconsistencies in their application and effectiveness. For instance, the need for balanced fertilization planning to optimize kiwifruit yield and quality highlights the complexity of adhering to regulatory standards while achieving desired outcomes (Torkashvand et al., 2016). The variability in organic fertilizer quality and the stringent certification processes can thus pose significant barriers to the widespread adoption of organic fertilization in kiwifruit production. 7 Case Study 7.1 Overview of kiwifruit orchard using organic fertilization (location, farm size, and practices) The case study focuses on a kiwifruit orchard located in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, which is known for its favorable climate for kiwifruit cultivation. The orchard spans approximately 10 hectares and employs BioGro certified organic practices. The primary organic amendments used include composted pig and sheep dung, dairy manure, vermicompost, and chicken manure. These organic materials are applied at varying rates to enhance soil health and productivity (Müller et al., 2015). 7.2 Fertilization practices implemented and yield results The orchard implements a combination of organic fertilization practices, including the application of dairy manure, vermicompost, and chicken manure in different proportions. For instance, treatments such as 50% dairy manure combined with 50% vermicompost or chicken manure have been tested. These practices have shown to significantly improve the growth parameters such as leaf number, leaf area, and stem diameter, as well as enhance soil chemical properties (Table 1) (Sharma et al., 2022). Over a period of nine years, the application of organic amendments has led to an increase in fruit yield and quality, with notable improvements in the relative abundance of beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere. Table 1 Impact of organic manures on the plant growth characteristics of Actinidia deliciosacv ‘Allison’ (Adopted from Sharma et al., 2022) Code Treatments Total No. of Leaves Total Area of Leaves per Plant (m2) Stem Diameter Increase T1 100% Dairy manure (DM) 328±4.16 d 3.81±0.09d 0.32 ± 0.001d T2 100% Vermicompost (VC) 349±8.33 c 4.09±0.07c 0.36±0.01c T3 100% Chicken manure (CM) 298±6.81 f 3.33±0.07f 0.22±0.01g T4 50% DM+ 50% CM 303±6.24 ef 3.40±0.01f 0.27±0.01f T5 50% DM + 50% VC 370±0.88 b 4.30±0.01b 0.39±0.01b T6 50% CM + 50% VC 313±4.16 def 3.63±0.04e 0.29±0.01e T7 DM + CM + VC in equal proportions 315 ± 4.13 de 3.64±0.01e 0.30±0.01e T8 Recommended dose of fertilizers 408±9.89 a 4.83±0.12a 0.46±0.01a *LSD(p0.05) 18.09 0.20 0.01 Note: * LSD=Least Significance difference; the values shown are the mean±SE. Different letters in the same column indicate a significant difference at the p=0.05 level (Adopted from Sharma et al., 2022)
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