The sxjggested amounts of materials to apply given in the tables are for band 

 applications under the spread of the branches, V/hen the materials are broadcast 

 over the entire orchard floor it may be necessary to increase the rates of appli- 

 cation in order to obtain the same tree response as the band applications. Fertil- 

 izer materials other than those given in the tables may be used so long as they 

 are applied at rates which provide equivalent amounts of nitrogen and potassium. 



The magnesiuq?! requirements of orchard soils can best be met by applying 

 sufficient dolomitic lime (high magnesium lime) to maintain a soil pH of 6,0 to 

 6,5» In orchards which have had an inadequate liming program, it itiay be necessary 

 to apply magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) sprays to prevent the occurrence of mag- 

 nesium deficiency. Two or three sprays of epsom salts (20 pounds to 100 gallons) 

 applied at calyx, first and second cover are suggested as a temporary rueasure to 

 correct magnesium deficiency until soil applications of dolomitic lime are able 

 to meet the trees' magnesium requirements. 



Boron should be applied to orchard soils every three to five years. Borax 

 is the most common material used. The rates of application per tree vary with age 

 and size. Apply one quarter pound of borax on young trees, one-half to three- 

 quarters pound on medium age and size trees, and three-quarters to one pound on 

 large or mature trees. In no case should the rate of one application of borax 

 exceed ^0 pounds per acre. 



The amounts of fertilizer applied to trees virhich have received annual appli- 

 cations of 200 pounds or more of hay ii^iulch per tree may be materially reduced or 

 entirely elLninated, Tree perfox^mance should serve as a guide in determining 

 the extent to vihich the rates of fertilizer may be reduced. In young non-bearing 

 orchards it may be possible by broadcasting^ 500 to 800 pounds of mixed fertilizer 

 per acre to produce sufficient high quality mulching material in the orchard for 

 the young trees. Place the mulch in a band under the spread of the branches. The 

 amount of fertilizer required for the trees with this system of culture will vary 

 with the quantity and quality of mulch applied around each tree. If the trees 

 are not making sufficient growth one-eighth pound of ammonium nitrate per year of 

 tree age may be applied to the mulch. 



Early spring is the best time to apply fertilizer to apple orchards. It should 

 be applied four to six weeks before bloom. This allows for maximum absorption of 

 fertilizer in the early part of the season wliich is the period of greatest need, 



— liY, D. TiTeaks 



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P0!'I0L0GICAL PARAGRAPH 



Are You Going to Plant Trees Next Spring ? - If you are going to plant fruit trees 

 this spring, it might be worth your vfhile to read Leaflet #l82. The title of 

 this leaflet is "Establishing Orchards" and is written by ViT, D, Weeks, Copies of 

 this leaflet may be obtained from your County Extension Office or the Mailing 

 Room at the University in Amherst, Massachusetts, 



Editor 



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