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Fertllizer Recommendations for 1963 



There will be no basic changes in recommendations this year compared to 

 previous years. We are still of the opinion that adjusting nitrogen to the 

 proper level which will produce the maximum yield of highly colored fruit of 

 maximum storage life is the key to a successful orchard fertility program, it 

 may take two or more years to determine the amount of nitrogen required to produce t 

 desired level. This is especially true in those blocks which are too high in 

 nitrogen. 



In our fertilizer experiments, we have found that it may take two or more 

 years for reduced rates of nitrogen to be effective. We have also found that 

 omitting nitrogen applications from trees which were high in nitrogen did not 

 significantly reduce yields below trees receiving normal rates of nitrogen. 

 It appears that it may be necessary in some situations to omit nitrogen in order 

 to bring nitrogen down to the desired level. 



We are suggesting that growers should: 



(1) Apply no more than normal rates of nitrogen. 



(2) Omit or reduce nitrogen applications by one half in those 

 blocks which have produced fruit with poor color. 



Suggested rate of fertilizer for normal applications are given in the 

 following table. 



Normal Rates of Fertilizer for Bearing Apple Orchards 

 Approximate Amounts per Tree 



Potential bushel Nitrogen Potash Ammonium Muriate 



yield of tree required required Nitrate of Potash or 0-15-30 8-16-16 



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. Ferti- 

 lizer 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- I 

 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, magnesium sulfate sprays should be applied to prevent possible occurrence 

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

 limestone is effective in correcting magnesium deficiency. When magnesium sul- 

 fate 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 



