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Effect of shading and biofertilizer-enhanced fertilization on yield, fruit quality and soil fertility of Tejakula mandarin (Citrus reticulata cv. Tejakula)  


Citation :- Effect of shading and biofertilizer-enhanced fertilization on yield, fruit quality and soil fertility of Tejakula mandarin (Citrus reticulatacv. Tejakula). Crop Res. 61: 123-134
GEDE WIJANA, I NYOMAN RAI, NI MADE TRIGUNASIH, NI NYOMAN ARI MAYADEWI, I KADEK WISMA YUDHA AND I WAYAN SURYA ADITYA WIGUNANDA gedewijana@unud.ac.id
Address : Dryland Agriculture, Master Programme, Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
Submitted Date : 14-01-2026
Accepted Date : 18-02-2026

Abstract

Tejakula mandarin cultivation in Bali faces challenges from soil degradation and fruit dryness. This study evaluated the effects of shading and biofertilizer-enhanced fertilization on the yield, fruit quality, and soil fertility of Tejakula mandarin (Citrus reticulata cv. Tejakula). A field experiment was conducted from November 2024 to November 2025 in Bali, Indonesia, using a split-plot randomized block design with four replications. The main plot factor was shading with two levels: open field (Sn) and natural shade (Ss). The sub-plot factor consisted of five fertilization packages: inorganic control (Fi), organic-inorganic blend (Fb), mycorrhiza-enhanced (Fm), probiotic-enhanced (Fp), and integrated biofertilizer (Fc).  Results showed that natural shade (Ss) significantly increased total fruit yield per tree by 87.80% and reduced the incidence of fruit dryness by 77.90% by weight compared to open field (Sn). Among fertilization packages, the integrated biofertilizer (Fc) was superior, yielding 32.31 kg fruit per tree, which was a 244.50% increase over the inorganic control (Fi), and also reduced fruit dryness by 90.90%. The Fc treatment also resulted in the highest soil organic carbon (2.62%), available phosphorus (342.50 ppm), and leaf relative water content (79.74%). Key fruit quality attributes, including total soluble solids, vitamin C content, and firmness, were significantly improved under the combined treatment of shading and biofertilizer packages. In conclusion, integrating natural shading with an enhanced biofertilizer package is a highly effective strategy for sustainably increasing productivity, improving fruit quality, and enhancing soil health in Tejakula mandarin orchards.

Keywords

Citrus fruit dryness organic amendment plant physiology shade management 


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