Evaluation of the macroelement nutritional state of hops on the basis of the chemical analyses of leaves and soil

Leaf samples were collected in the subsequent years (1993-1995) from 24 hop plantations representative of the Lublin region and localised on three soil units: fluvisols, luvisols developed from loamy sands and cambisols. Fully-grown leaves were collected during the vegetation period from the main stem at 7 developmental stages. The highest and the most stable cone yields within 3 years were achieved on fluvisols. Therefore it can be accepted that the contents of the particular components from plantations on this type of soil is close to the optimum. Taking into account the above criteria, it was concluded that plantations localised on loess soil were insufficiently supplied with potassium, but adequately with phosphorus. In turn, hop cultivation situated on loamy sand showed a deficiency in magnesium and calcium but good nutrition with potassium.