Mg, or Ca (data not presented). 



Apple compost increased N, K, and Mg in leaves 

 (Table 2). Pre-plant MAP had no effect upon leaf 

 mineral nutrient concentrations (data not presented). 



Both compost and MAP increased trunk growth in 

 1 998 (Table 3). Compost also increased the total shoot 

 length per tree. 



In summary, the addition of organic matter in the 

 form of apple compost increased the growth of newly 

 planted apple trees, by increasing nutrient holding 



capacity and water holding capacity of the soil. The 

 effects were small (i.e., 14% more shoot growth) in the 

 first season, and it remains to be seen if growth of the 

 trees in composted plots continue to be superior. Pre- 

 plant incorporation of MAP also increased first-year 

 tree growth, although not to the same extent as 

 compost. The reason for this improved growth is not 

 explained by the data. Leaf N and P concentrations 

 were not affected by MAP, nor was soil pH. 



*%!> ^1# %1^ %1^ 

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46 



Fruit Notes, Volume 66, 2001 



