Effects of Planting Configuration on the Growth, Physiology, Nutrient Dynamics, and Yield of Apple Ber ( <i>Ziziphus mauritiana</i> Lamk)

High‐density planting systems have revolutionized farming around the world, as these orchards provide early fruit bearing with sustained quality production. Owing to the wider spacing of plantations in the Apple ber ( Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.), the land remains unused as the plant canopy gradually increases over time. In this study, the saplings were planted in different configurations, viz., 5 m × 5 m (400 plants/ha), 5 m × 4 m (500 plants/ha) and 5 m × 3 m (665 plants/ha), at the Regional Research Station, CCSHAU Bawal (Haryana), India, and pooled data from 6 years, 2019–25, revealed that plant height was significantly greater at closer spacings (5 m × 3 m) because light competition tends toward vertical growth, whereas the trunk cross‐sectional area (TCSA) and canopy volume reached a maximum at wider spacings (5 m × 5 m) because of less competition for light and nutrients and better utilization of resources. The photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity was highest at the 5 m × 5 m spacing; however, the leaf area index (LAI) (2.6) reached a maximum at the 5 m × 4 m spacing, indicating the optimum canopy density for photosynthesis. The highest chlorophyl content (293.2 µmol m −2 ) and nutrient concentration (N: 2.75%, P: 0.23%, K: 1.79%) were found in the 5 m × 5 m spacing. Fruit weight (39.84 g) and fruit length (54.2 mm) were significantly greater at the 5 m × 5 m spacing; however, the TSS was not significantly affected by the treatments. The soil physico‐chemical properties remained unaffected by the different planting densities. Compared with narrow spacing, per‐plant fruit yield was highest at wider spacings. However, on the basis of area, the highest fruit yield (83.18 q/ha) was under the 5 m × 3 m spacing, with the highest B:C ratio, compared with the 5 m × 5 m spacing (52.88 q/ha). Therefore, it may be concluded that closer spacing of 5 m × 3 m may be preferable in Apple ber plantations for better productivity and net returns.