POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPHS 



(Most of the subjects discussed in this section of Fruit Notes are based on 

 grower questions and field observations.) 



Fertilization of Apple Trees with Poultry Manure 



Questions have arisen this spring about the use of poultry manure for fertil- 

 ization of apple trees. 



First, what is the nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash content of poultry 

 manure? Research findings of Stanley Papanos and B. A. Brown (Care and Use of 

 Poultry Manure, Publication PR12, January 1956, University of Connecticut) show 

 the following to be the average composition of hen manure in regard to nitrogen, 

 phosphoric acid •and potash. 



Kind of Manure Nitrogen Phosphoric Acid Potash 



\ 1 7. 



Fresh Droppings 1.47 1.15 0.48 



Droppings 4-28 weeks old 1.22 1.84 0.94 



Floor litter 6 months old 3.00 2.60 1.40 



Papanos and Brown estimate that a mixture of the winters manure accumulation 

 consisting of material from the untreated dropping board and floor board litter 

 will contain 2 per cent nitrogen, 2 per cent phosphoric acid and one per cent 

 potash. 



Second, how much poultry manure should be applied In an orchard? Using the 

 above figures, a ton of fresh droppings contains approximately 30 pounds of 

 actual nitrogen while 6 month old floor litter has twice this amount. Since one 

 pound of actual nitrogen Is suggested as the need of a Mcintosh tree capable of 

 producing 25 bushels of apples, one ton of fresh droppings should be adequate for 

 thirty 25 year old Mcintosh trees having this producing capacity. One half of 

 the amount would be required if old floor litter were used. 



Poultry manure must be used with caution as many growers have already found 

 out. The application of too much poultry manure may result in nitrogen becoming 

 available late In the growing season, causing poor fruit color and immaturity of 

 wood. 



A number of growers use poultry manure regularly and through experience 

 know how much to apply without getting into difficulty. On the other hand, 

 growers using poultry manure for the first time should do so with caution. It 

 may be best to experiment on just a few trees. Poultry manure applied sparingly 

 and broadcast over the area between trees will improve tree and grass growth. 



It is stated by some sources, nitrogen in poultry manure becomes available 

 to the trees more slowly than in most commercial forms and may benefit the crop 

 for several seasons. Approximately one-half of the plant food in the poultry 

 manure will be utilized by the first crop; one-fourth will be available the 

 second year and one-fourth the third year. 



William J. Lord 



