Effects of partial rootzone drying and mulching on fruit quality and nutrient contents of 'Polka' raspberries

The aim of this research was to determine the content of macro- and micro-elements in raspberry fruits after the application of partial rootzone drying (PRD) combined with mulching. Using a water budged methodology, four levels of irrigation, specifically 100% of ET (control) standard lateral, with two laterals (TL), side lateral (SL) and without irrigation (WI), were applied to 10 canes during the season, 5 of which were mulched by a 10 cm layer. The experiment was conducted in Kosovo (Prishtina region) during 2014 on a raspberry orchard of 1 ha on first year planting using a nested experimental design. Using ANOVA two-way with post hoc testing we found that both irrigation and mulching had significant changes in pH, P, K, Mg, Fe, B, Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, Pb, with irrigation affecting also Ca and Cr. The combination of irrigation and mulching have influenced pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, B, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, and Pb while changes were not significant for Brix. It should also be stressed that mulching had a positive effect on majority element values. Considering the young age of canes and long-term consequences of water stress the experiment will be continued.