• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.637-643
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• 2010

For enhancement of apple productivity, the calcium fertilizers to increase the calcium content of fruit, and reduce the incidence of bitter pit in apples are applied. Crushed oyster shell contains a plenty of calcium carbonate, and a very small amount of boron, ferrous, and manganese. A field study was conducted to determine the optimum level of crushed oyster shell for soil nutrient management, and its effect on the induction of bitter pit in cultivar 'Gamhong' apple. The application of crushed oyster shell increased organic matter, available phosphate, and exchangeable cation concentration in soil. We found a significant positive correlation between soil pH, and application level of crushed oyster shell in both top, and subsoils. The incidence of bitter pit in apple fruit at the harvest stage was significantly higher in non treatment and calciummagnesium carbonate treatment than on over applications 4 Mg $ha^{-1}$ for crushed oyster shell. However, the optimum level of crushed oyster shell was 2 Mg $ha^{-1}$, especially considering the soil Ca content, soil pH, fruits weight, and yield. Our results show that the crushed oyster shell can be effective in restoring the soil nutrient balance, and inducing the bitter pit in apple fruit.