Spatial Variability and Distribution of Soil Nutrients at Harumanis Mango Farm During Vegetative and Flowering Stages

Understanding the spatial variability of soil properties is necessary in sustainable fruit crop production to prevent any nutrient imbalance in the soil. However, research that focuses on spatial variability of soil nutrient status in a mango orchard at different phenological stages is still lacking. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the spatial variability of selected soil nutrients and to assess the distribution of soil nutrients at mango orchards during vegetative and flowering stages. Statistical and geostatistical analyses were used to evaluate the selected soil nutrient content at both crop growth stages. With the exception of total nitrogen, the correlation test reveals no relationship between any phenological stage and any nutrient. Significant positive relationships were found between total nitrogen and organic carbon, exchangeable calcium and exchangeable magnesium at both phenological stages, and total nitrogen and exchangeable potassium at the flowering stage. Different soil nutrient distribution patterns were revealed by geostatistical analysis based on varying nutrient ranges within the agricultural plot. The mapping of soil nutrients at the Harumanis mango farm can be utilized as a tool to assess spatial changes during the vegetative and flowering stages and support site-specific nutrient management, leading to more economical and effective use of fertilizers.