The aim of this experiment is to study the effect of soil type (calcareous and clay soils) on growth and nutritional status of Volkamer lemon and Sour orange rootstocks.
The highest survival % was closely linked with clay soil as specific effect of soil type was concerned. However, Volkamer lemon seedlings exceeded those of Sour orange in this regard. The transplanted Volkamer lemon in pots filled with clay soil exhibited the largest percentage of survival. The most growth parameters i.e., (length of stem & root; dry weight of leaves & total plant) were obviously increased under clay soil over calcareous soil. However, stem (diameter; dry weight & dry matter percentage); leaf number and average leaf area showed less pronounced response.
Regarding the effect of soil type on nutritional status, the response varied from one nutrient element to another. Since, leaf and root N; K; Fe; Mn and Zn levels were obviously higher in rootstocks seedlings grown in clay soil than the analogous ones in calcareous soil. However, other nutrient elements i.e., P; Ca and Mg didn’t respond to soil type except root Ca content which increased in calcareous soil.