Apples. - Page 1 |
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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.
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Title | Apples. - Page 1 |
Full Text | 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. |