Assessing Nutrient Losses and Recycling in Sweet Cherry Orchards: A Yield-Based Approach

Mineral nutrition management in sweet cherry orchards remains a critical challenge due to the lack of site-specific fertilization guidelines, particularly in Greece, a significant cherry-producing country. This study aimed to develop a predictive framework for total nutrient losses in sweet cherry orchards by proposing simplified estimations using fresh fruit yield as the sole input variable. Field experiments were conducted in two orchards with distinct rootstocks (MxM 14 and CAB-6P), analyzing soil properties, leaf nutrient status, and uptake patterns on different plant components. Results indicated that despite differences in soil texture and pH, nutrient availability was generally sufficient, with only Fe and Zn marginally below optimal levels in leaf tissue. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct nutrient distribution patterns, with N evenly distributed across fruits, peduncles, and prunings, while K was concentrated in fruits and peduncles, and Ca and Mg predominantly in fallen leaves. Notably, K was redistributed from leaves to fruits under high yields, evidenced by negative correlations between leaf biomass and K uptake. Strong relationships (r2 > 0.8) were found between fresh fruit yield and uptake of N, P, K, Mg, B, and Cu, enabling reliable predictions of total nutrient losses. Estimated annual nutrient removals were 85.6 kg ha−1 N, 8.94 kg ha−1 P, 42.7 kg ha−1 K, and 12.0 kg ha−1 Mg, with significant fractions retained in prunings and fallen leaves (e.g., 51.8 kg ha−1 N, 6.2 kg ha−1 P). The developed yield-based models provide a practical tool for optimizing fertilization strategies, while our findings highlight the potential for nutrient recycling through sustainable residue management.