Physico-chemical properties between organic and conventional kiwifruit orchards in Korea

Organic kiwifruit orchard soils were compared with conventional ones in Korea. Soil structure of organic soil had higher gaseous and liquous phase as well as soil porosity in the surface soil. Although the nutritional level of each orchards were quite different among soils, the analysis of both system revealed that organic kiwifruit orchard soil had similar or even higher nutrient level (N and organic matter content in surface soil) compared to conventional ones. The organic matter content of deep soil also had the high tendency in deep soil of organic soil. Higher level of nitrogen in organic surface soil is presumably due to the excessive application of organic compost and liquid fertilizer rather than the contribution by grasses such as green manure. Available phosphorous level of organic system was quite high but similar in surface soil of both system, compared to the recommended level. Potassium, calcium and magnesium levels were also enough in organic kiwifruit orchard soils.