It is 

 B be estab 

 Our trials 

 iate value 

 have no ev 

 zinc and m 

 ing low le 

 zinc d e f i c 

 pounds of 

 or just as 

 of another 



suggested that the need for minor elements other than 

 lished before making extensive corrective treatments. 



indicate that soil applications of zinc are of no immed- 



for improving the zinc nutrition of the tree. While we 

 idence of widespread mi cronutrient deficiencies such as 

 anganese, it is possible that some orchards may be approach 

 vels of these elements. Studies in Maine indicate that 

 iency can be corrected with a dilute spray of 8 to 10 

 36% zinc sulfate per 100 gallons, applied at "green tip", 



the buds are breaking. Do not apply within 3 or 4 days 



spray, such as oil . 



Maine reports indicate that 2 or 3 consecutive annual sprays 



may be necessary to correct severe zinc deficiency. Once the zinc 



deficiency has been corrected, the level can be maintained with 

 fungicides containing zinc. 



Manganese deficiency also has been noted in Maine and in these 

 instances soil applications of manganese sulfate and sprays of fun- 

 gicides containing manganese have proven beneficial. 



Young orchards : In young non-bearing orchards, it may be possible 

 to produce sufficient high quality mulching material for the young 

 trees by broadcasting 500 to 800 pounds of mixed fertilizer per 

 acre. Place the mulch in a band under the spread of the branches. 

 The amount of fertilizer required for the trees with this system of 

 culture will vary with the quantity and quality of mulch applied 

 around each tree. If the trees are not making sufficient growth, 

 1/8 pound of ammonium nitrate per year of tree may be applied to 

 the mulch. Our field trials show N levels of 2.3% - 2.6% in vigor- 

 ous young Mcintosh and Delicious apple trees. 



During the last several years, some growers have discontinued 

 the practice of mulching young apple trees, because of the mouse 

 problem. Since many of our orchards are established in sod, con- 

 trol of vegetation under these trees with herbicides becomes necess- 

 ary if optimum growth is to be obtained. Furthermore, application 

 of 1/4-1/3 pound of ammonium nitrate or its equivalent of N for 

 each year of age of tree is suggested. The fertilizer should be 

 applied as early as possible in the spring to help avoid late growth 

 and subsequent winter injury. Once the tree starts bearing, however, 

 it may be necessary to reduce the rate of the fertilization to help 

 red color development and under some conditions to help restrict 

 tree size. 



Fertilization of Peach Trees 



Suggestions for fertilizing peach orchards are given in the 

 fol 1 owi ng tabl e . 



