Nutritional status and root distribution studies of ber orchards

Ber is important fruit of arid and semi arid regions of India.China ranks first in area under this fruit crop.It is a hardy fruit tree and has ability to sustain even under drought conditions. It has deep and extensive root system capable for penetrating deep across hard pan/calcium carbonate concretion and draws water from deeper layers of the soil.Ber fruits are very delicious and juicy and also very nutritious being rich source of minerals, carbohydrates and vitamins particularly ascorbic acid (vitamin C).This book includes various aspects ranging from soil profile studies to leaf nutrients contents and quality aspects covering benchmark survey at grower's fields, fertility status of soil, root distribution pattern studies and quality assessment of ber fruits.All these aspects have been given in simple and lucid language.It is beneficial to Researcher, Students, Field Extension workers and farmers. The authors gratefully acknowledge the help, support and guidance received to the first author during course of his PhD. Research work done from SKRAU,Bikaner.Lastly,it is humble request to valuable readers torender their valuable suggestions for improvement of the book.