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Klnd of Lime to Use 



J.'Iagnesium deficiency can be found in many orchards in Massachusetts, A survey 

 conducted in 1953 to obtain data on the nutritional status of orchards in Mass- 

 achusetts revealed that magnesium was below the desirable range in kO per cent 

 of the orchards surveyed. Therefore, the orchardist should use a magnesium lime- 

 stone preferably one which contains at least 20 per cent magnesium oxide (HgO), 

 Such applications of high magnesium lime not only reduce soil acidity, thus in- 

 creasing the availability of soil nutrients already present in the soil, but they 

 also add magnesium and calcium which are necessaiy for plant growth. 



When to Lime 



Lime may be spread any time the soil is firm enough to support the spreader 

 equipment and when it can be done without knocking off fruits. Generally it is 

 spread during the winter months. 



How Much Lime 



It is desirable for orchard soils to be in the pH range of 6,0 to 6,5. Hov/- 

 ever, the attainment of the pH in orchards having soil more acid than is desired 

 will be a slow process because lime penetrates soil slov;ly. 



First, the orchardist should have his soil tested to determine the lime require- 

 ment. Since experiments have shown that heavy applications of lime penetrate more 

 rapidly than lighter applications, the lime required should be applied in one 

 application. As much as 5 to 6 tons of lime may be applied in one application if 

 economically feasible. 



Under the present (1956) Agricultural Conservation Program; "No soil test is 

 needed for applications of 2 to 3 tons of lijne per acre, A soil test is required 

 if more than 3 tons or less than 2 tons per acre are to be applied," In the 

 majority of the liassachusetts orchards, however, more than threetons of lime per 

 acre are needed. 



After the initial application of lime, the soil should be retested in 3 to 5 

 years and additional lime applied if needed. Once the desired pH is attained, it 

 may be expected to be maintained by an application of one ton of lime every five 

 years. This nay vary with soil type, however. Sandy soil requires more frequent 

 use of lime but requires lesser amounts than heavier soil types. 



If the trees have magnesium deficiency, due to the slow penetration of surface 

 applications of dolomitlc lime, a complete control of this disorder may not be 

 effected for 3 to 5 years. In the meantime supply magnesium to the leaves, by 

 applying epsom salts at the rate of 20 pounds per 100 gallons, Tvto or three 

 applications should be made starting with the calyx or first cover spray. 



Spreading the Lime 



The most popular method of spreading lime is with a lime-spreading truck. 

 Taking everything into account, many fruit growers consider this the most econom- 

 ical way of getting lime spread. However, the friiit grower should supervise the 

 spreading operation. 



