Advances in fruit growing technology

Abstract

Advances in technology are the key to the future of agriculture. Sinceexcessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers cause landdegradation and disrupting of natural balance, application of some otherfertilizer types that are more rational and economically justified, enablingnatural resource preservation is a necessity. In this chapter, attentionis paid to historical review in fertilizer management practices andfertilization in fruit growing technology, as well as strategies for macroand microelements uptake improvement using soil microorganisms. Itconsiders possible microbiological indication of soil quality (monitoringof soil microflora in order to improve the fertilization strategy) as well.Another part of this chapter deals with the implementation of differentmicrobial inoculants (multiple and individual) as an alternative and/orsupplement to chemical fertilizers. The comprehensive analysis of thebiological and production characteristics of apple, plum and strawberryafter treatment with different types of fertilizers suggests that microbialinoculation had a positive effect on plant growth, fruit quality, providingthe necessary plant nutrients and the biological properties of the soil.Therefore, the use of microbial inoculants as supplements tochemical fertilizers or even their substitutes can be considered as anappropriate practice to ensure safe fruit production and enhance soilbiological activity, thus also contributing to increased yields which isparticularly important from an ecological but also from an economicpoint of view.