2 - 



than those given in the tables may be used so long 

 plied at rates which provide equivalent amounts of 

 (K). 



as they are ap- 

 N and potassium 



A recen 

 (1.9-2.1% N) 

 differ when 

 in a narrow 

 3 feet of th 

 cations with 

 the other 2 

 1 i ze by hand 

 able time by 

 in a 2 - 3 f 

 around the e 



t study in a mature Mcintosh orchard of moderate vigor 



showed that in 3 out of 5 years N and K levels did not 

 fertilizer was either broadcast under the trees, applied 

 band at the dripline, or applied in a narrow band within 

 e trunk. During 2 of the 5 years, however, the appli- 

 in 3 feet of the trunk resulted in higher N levels than 

 treatments. These data indicate that growers who ferti- 

 can maintain the nutritional level and save consider- 

 walking under mature trees and throwing the fertilizer 

 oot band within 3 feet of the trunk, instead of walking 

 ntire periphery of the trees when applying fertilizer 



Magnesium and Calcium 

 requirements can best 

 liming program. The 

 tween 6 and 6.5. If 

 or below, magnesium s 

 possible occurrence o 

 years before dolomiti 

 ciency. When magnesi 

 of epsom salts at the 

 These sprays should b 

 second cover sprays, 

 salt sprays should no 

 sprays . 



1 Th 



be m 



pH of 



a soi 



ulfat 



f mag 



c 1 im 



urn su 



rate 



e app 



To a 



t be 



e tree' 

 et by m 



orchar 

 1 test 

 e spray 

 nesi um 

 estone 

 Ifate s 



of 20 

 lied at 

 void po 

 combine 



s magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) 

 aintaining an adequate dolomitic 

 d soils should be maintained be- 

 shows that the pH of soil is 5.5 

 s should be applied to prevent 

 deficiency. It takes from 3 to 5 

 is effective in correcting Mg defi- 

 prays are used, apply 2-3 sprays 

 pounds per 100 gallons of water. 



the time of calyx, first cover and 

 ssible incompatibilities, the epsom 

 d with the regular insecticidal 



Mulch : The amounts of fertilizer applied to trees that have received 

 annual applications of 200 or more pounds of hay mulch may be mater- 

 ially reduced or entirely eliminated. Tree performance should serve 

 as a guide in determining the extent to which the rates of fertil- 

 izer may be reduced. 



Minor elements 



Soil applications of boron (B) should be applied to 



orchards every 3 years. Borax is the common material used. The 

 rates of application per tree vary with age and size. Apply 1/4 

 pound of fertilizer borate (high grade - 13.6%) or its equivalent 

 to young trees, 1/2-3/4 pound to medium age and size trees, and 3/4- 

 1 pound to large or mature trees. 



Many growers now rely on annual foliar applications of B. The 

 usual practice is to add Solubor* to the first 2 cover sprays. Fer- 

 tilizer grades of borax may contain grit and should not be used in 

 a sprayer. Mature trees should receive 4 pounds of Solubor* per 

 acre each year. Consequently, the goal is to apply about 2 pounds 

 per acre in each of the 2 applications. For young orchards, the 

 addition of 1/2 pound of Solubor* per 100 gals (dilute basis) to 

 the first 2 cover sprays meets the B requirement of these trees. 

 Reports for New York State indicate that sprays can be concentrated 

 up to 8X with satisfactory results. 



*Trade name 



