3. Composite Sample to Determine Genera] Nutritional Level. 



( When no problem is apparent and the knowledjje of the general 

 nutritional level is desired . ) 



Select If) trees of the same variety which represent, as nearly 

 as possible, the general vigor and crop load of the block 

 being sampled. Collect 10 leaves from each tree to make up 

 a single sample. 



Sampling Instructions 



1. Collect all leaf samples between July 15 and August 15. Sample 

 when leaves are dry. 



2. The leaf samples should be restricted to tlie healthy leaves 

 on trees suspected of being deficient of some nutrients. All 

 leaves should be free from insect, disease, or mechanical 

 injury. Be sure the trees are free of mouse injury . 



3. Select all leaves from the middle of current terminal or 

 lateral shoots. Do not select spur leaves. Not more than 

 two (2) leaves should be taken from any one shoot. Sample 

 around the periphery of the tree at a mean height of five 

 feet from the ground. 



4. Remove the leaves in such a way that the stem of the leaf 

 is attached. 



5. Label or make a map so that the trees sampled can be located 

 at any time in the future. This will enable you to sample 

 the same tree in tow or three years to determine any change 

 in nutritional status as a result of a fertilizer program 

 adjustment . 



6. Place the leaves in bag purchased from the SOIL AND PLANT 

 TESTING LABORATORY, 240 BEAVER STREET, WALTHAM, MA 02254. 



Standards For Nutrient Levels 



On the next 2 pages are our leaf analysis standards for nutrient 

 levels in: (1) young, non-bearing apple trees; (2) bearing apple 

 trees; and (3) peach trees. When using these standards as a guide 

 for fertilization, remember that the crop size on the trees at time 

 of sampling influences greatly the nutrient level of the leaves. For 

 example, leaves taken from an apple tree with a large crop may be 

 0.2 to 0.3% higher in N than when the same tree has a light crop. 

 The factors affecting nutrient content of the foliage and fruits of 

 apple trees were discussed in the winter 1982 issue of FRUIT NOTES 

 (Vol. 48). 



