Agronomic Division
4300 Reedy Creek Road
Raleigh, NC 27607-6465
Revised 5/94
North Carolina
Department of Agriculture
NOTE 16: Apples
Optimal yields of high quality apples depend on
establishing and maintaining the proper soil pH
and nutrient balance. Since apple production is a
long term investment, lime and nutrient
requirements should be addressed before
planting. Soil testing provides a means for
determining the amount of preplant lime and
nutrients required to maintain long term
production. Plant tissue analysis also provides a
means to monitoring the nutrient status and
adjusting nutrient applications during the growing
season. Used properly, these tools can provide
information necessary for successful apple
production.
Lime Requirement
Lime recommendations are designed to raise
the soil pH to 6.5 for establishment and 6.0 for
maintenance. Before establishing an orchard,
broadcast the recommended lime, and mix it into
the soil as deep as possible. Deep liming is much
more effective in neutralizing soil acidity and
distributing calcium and magnesium. Lime also
contributes calcium necessary to minimize bitter
pit.
On established orchards, surface-applied lime
is less beneficial and should not exceed 1.0 ton/
acre. Lime recommended above 1.0 ton/acre
should be applied the following year. Established
orchards should be soil tested every 3 to 5 years
to maintain the desired pH and nutrient balance.
Both calcitic and dolomitic lime are used in
apple production. Calcitic lime is composed of
Use leaf analysis in July to monitor boron status.
Apply 20 lb of borax/acre to the soil (10% B)
every 4 to 5 years if boron deficiency persists.
Soil and Leaf Analyses
Soil samples for determining lime and fertilizer
requirements should be taken several months
before establishing an orchard and retaken every
3 to 5 years. Samples should be submitted in the
fall to allow time for treatment before the next
crop. Preplant soil samples should be taken to
the depth of 8 inches at random across the orchard
for a total of 15 to 20 subsamples/acre. Soil
samples on established orchards should be taken
to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Leaf samples should
be taken every year from July 15 through August
15.
Records of soil, leaf samples, fertilizer applied
and production history should be kept on each
orchard. These records provide a means for
evaluating fertility practices and a basis for making
necessary adjustments. For problem diagnosis
submit corresponding soil and plant samples from
problem areas. Supplies and information for taking
samples can be obtained from local agricultural
advisors or the laboratory in Raleigh.
Additional information
can be obtained
from an
NCDA regional agronomist
or the local
Cooperative Extension office.