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 Sur.Rested Rates of Fertilizer for Bearing Apple Orchards 



Each grower will have to adjust the suggested amounts up or down to meet 

 the requirements of the trees in his blocks. If the trees are over vigorous and 

 fruit color and quality poor, reduce the amount of fertilizer by 1/3 or 1/2. 

 However, if the trees are weak in vigor and yields are low, apply the amounts 

 suggested or increase the rates slightly. 



The suggested amounts of materials to apply in the table are for hand appli- 

 cations under the spread of the branches. When the materials are broadcast over 

 the entire orchard floor it may be necessary to increase the rate of application 

 in order to obtain the same tree response as with the band applications. 

 Fertilizer 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 tree's magnesium and calcium requirements can best be met by main- 

 taining an adequate dolomitic liming program. The pH of orchard soils should be 

 maintained between 6 and 6.5. If a soil test shows that the pH of soil is 5.5 

 or below, magnesixmi sulfate sprays should be applied to prevent possible occur- 

 rence of magnesium deficiency. It takes from three to five years before dolomitic 

 limestone is effective in correcting magnesium deficiency. When magnesium sulfate 

 sprays are used apply two to three sprays of epsom salts at the rate of 20 pounds 

 per 100 gallons of water. These sprays should be timed by calyx, first, and 

 second cover sprays. To avoid possible incompatibilities the epsom salt sprays 

 should not be combined with the regular insecticidal and fungicidal sprays. 



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

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

 sir.e. Apply one-quarter pound of borax to young trees, one-half to three- 

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

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

 exceed 50 pounds per acre. Boron may be applied as a foliar spray on a trial 

 basis. Polybor-2 or Boro Spray applied at 1/2 pound per 100 gallons of spray 

 one and three weeks after petal fall have given satisfactory results in New York 

 State. 



The amounts of fertilizer applied to trees which have received annual 

 applications of 200 pounds or more of hay mulch per tree may be materially re- 

 duced or entirely eliminated. Tree performance should serve as a guide in 

 determining the extent to which the rates of fertilizer may be reduced. 



In young non-bearing orchards, it may be possible to produce sufficient 



