Agriculture & Food, Volume 5, 2017

Abstract: This research was conducted on commercial plantation in central Poland. The effect of increasing soil N-levels on plant physiological condition and vigour of two Actinidia arguta cultivars –‘Weiki’ and ‘Geneva’ was evaluated throughout growing season of 2016. N-levels of 3, 5 and 8 mg N 100 g-1 d.w. were examined. Fertilization was conducted in three equal doses. Soil analysis showed decreasing pH and increasing salinity on plots where more nitrogen was supplied. Amount of available P and K was not significantly affected by time or N-levels. Nitrogen content in leaves decreased during the measured time regardless of N-level reaching approximately a half of starting values. Chlorophyll content was more dependent on fertilization as 5 and 8 mg of N inhibited chlorophyll degradation in leaves. The results revealed cultivar differences in relation to nitrogen dose. ‘Weiki’ cultivar was characterized by 47% higher number of 1-year old long shoots while having 23% smaller leaf area, compared to ‘Geneva’. The number of long shoots was strongly dependent on soil N-fertility and time.