Implementation of New Technologies in the Red Soils of Adjara (Without the Use of Mineral Fertilizers)

Abstract

To prevent soil contamination and to obtain environmentally safe agricultural products, ecologically safe bio-preparations—BlackJack, GeoHumate, and the insecticide Cu⁺⁺were purposefully introduced for the first time into stationary field experiments conducted on red soils of Adjara under mandarin (Citrus unshiu) plantations, without the application of mineral fertilizers. The field experiments were conducted on the Chakvi collection plots located on red soil under a mandarin (Citrus unshiu, broadleaf type) plantation. The trials were arranged in three replications, comprising a total of six model plants, while each treatment variant included nine plants. Prior to the establishment of the experiment and throughout its duration, soil samples were collected at a depth of 50 cm, along with leaf samples from the plants, to determine their biochemical parameters. During the experimental period, pest and disease monitoring was performed twice. The experimental design consisted of three treatment variants. The biofertilizers were applied according to the scheme four times during the vegetation period (April, May, June, and July). As a background treatment, the Cu⁺⁺ insecticide was applied both to the soil (by drenching) and to the plants (by foliar spraying), exerting a positive effect on pest and disease suppression. Multiple monitoring activities conducted throughout the vegetation period revealed the positive influence of the applied bioformulations. Based on the data obtained from the experiments, the following results were established: • The biofertilizers BlackJack (soil application and foliar spraying) and GeoHumate (soil application and foliar spraying), when used in combination with Cu⁺⁺ (2 mL per 10 L of water as foliar spray) and without the use of mineral fertilizers, demonstrated the best overall performance. • Soil fertility improved significantly, and the content of essential nutrients in plant leaves increased. • Throughout the vegetation period, the positive effect of the applied preparations was consistently observed. • Pest- and disease-induced plant damage was eliminated, and most importantly, a high-yielding, environmentally clean, and high-quality harvest was obtained. According to the data presented in the tables, toxic elements such as As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb were not detected in the soil, and consequently, were also absent in the plants and fruit. This outcome is attributed to the fact that the soil was enriched exclusively with ecologically clean fertilizers, thereby preventing contamination of the low-fertility red soils of Adjara.