Effect of foliar and soil application of urea on leaf nutrients concentrations, yield and fruit quality of pomegranate

The influence of foliar application of 1% urea and four rates of urea (100, 200, 300 and 400g tree(-1)) as soil application (deep fertilizer placement) were studied on leaf nutrients concentrations, yield and fruit quality of Malas e Torsh e Saveh' pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) during 2010 and 2011 growing seasons. Trees that received 300 and 400g urea as soil application showed positive significant response on fruit yield, average fruit weight, aril weight percent of fruit, 100 arils weight, fruit diameter and TSS. Foliar application of urea had also significant effects on average fruit weight, aril weight percent of fruit and 100 arils weight. Nitrogen concentration increased linearly in leaves with the increase in rate of urea-applied. According to results, deep soil application of urea under the conditions of this study was more effective on pomegranate fruit yield and quality characters than foliar application of urea.