Integrated Nutrient Management for Dragon Fruit Production: A Critical Review for Sustainable Productivity

Dragon fruit is an expanding commercial fruit but its nutrient recommendations remain fragmented and reported on inconsistent bases. This review synthesizes global and Indian studies (2000–2025) on macro/micronutrient requirements, interactions, integrated nutrient management (INM) and diagnostic tools. This paper provides a novel conceptual synthesis by tabulating fertilizer rates by elemental basis, compiling age-wise schedules, and analyzing yield-quality trade-offs. Evidence shows higher fertilizer doses do not consistently increase yield and may reduce fruit soluble solids. Split applications aligned with local fruiting patterns may improve nutrient-use efficiency, although optimal timing requires further field validation. Organic inputs complement mineral fertilizers, and micronutrient responses depend on soil pH and texture. Principal gaps include: (i) inconsistent nutrient bases and applications; (ii) scarce Mg, S, and micronutrient dose-response data; (iii) limited field evidence for acidic laterite soils; (iv) undocumented long-term INM effects on soil biology; (v) preliminary evidence for nano fertilizers and AI-based nutrient prediction.