Effect of split application of NPK along with basal dose of Zn and B on yield of sapota [Manilkara achras (Mill.) Forsberg] and soil properties

In order to understand the effect of split application of NPK along with basal dose of Zn and B on soil properties and on yield of sapota in lateritic soils of Konkan, an experiment in randomized block design with five treatments replicated four times was conducted at Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture Dapoli, during June 2022 to May 2023 on thirty three years old sapota orchard of variety Kallipatti, where NPK @ 3:3:3 kg NPK each per tree were applied in two equal splits in June and September and in three equal splits in June, September and January along with basal application of vermicompost @ 50 kg per tree and ZnSO₄ @ 50 g per tree + Borax @ 25g per tree in June by ring method to the depth of 25-30 cm. The data revealed that the application 3 kg NPK each tree^-1 in three equal splits in June, September and January with 50 kg Vermicompost and 50 g ZnSO₄ + 25 g Borax tree^-1 in June was found to be significantly superior for enhancing the yield of sapota and the increase in soil pH, EC and organic carbon, available NPK, DTPA extractable Zn and available B indicating the built up of soil fertility in lateritic soils of Konkan.