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Some growers apply split applications of N, the first in mid-April to 

 early- May and the second in June, The amount applied in June is 1/3 to 1/2 

 of the amount applied earlier. We have no data regarding the benefit of 

 split applications. However, at our Horticultural Research Center, we apply 

 only one application and are satisfied with tree growth and yields. 

 Probably a good soil management program which conserves soil moisture, or 

 the installation of a trickle irrigation system, would be more beneficial 

 than a second application of N. 



Potassium (K) is occasionally deficient in Massachusetts peach 

 orchards. Therefore, the recommendations given in Table 2 are guides for 

 fulfilling the N and K needs for peach trees. The K may be applied either 

 in the spring or fall, but N fertilizer should be applied in the spring 

 about 2 or 3 weeks before bloom. 



Table 2. Suggested rates of fertilizer for bearing peach trees. 



Approxima te amounts per tree (1bs) 

 Tree age (years) Ammonium nitrate Muriate of potash 



or its equivalent or its equivalent 



3 to 6 1/2 to 1 1 to 2 



6 to ^ 1 to 1 1/2 2 to 3 



9 to 12 .1 1/2 to 2 3 to 4 



12 and over 2 to 4 4 to 8 



Research by Drs. Dennis Abdalla and Norman Childers in 1970-72 at 

 Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, showed that we should be more 

 concerned about calcium (Ca) nutrition of our peach trees. Fruit from trees 

 g-'own under greenhouse sand culture by these researchers were smaller, 

 greene'' and firmer and had less soluble solids (sugar content) and red blush 

 when the nutrient solution was low in Ca. Our apple trees and fruit in 

 Massachusetts are low in Ca, thus the same may be true for peaches. The 

 question is, how can you increase the Ca level in peach trees and fruit? 

 Our suggestion is to use high Ca lime when liming the orchard. 



Manganese (Mn) deficiency occurs occasionally in Massachusetts peach 

 orchards. T'-ees with Mn deficiency have leaves with interveinal fading of 

 chlorophyll with the remaining area green. Leaves from peach trees showing 

 Mn deficiency in 1971 contained 13 ppm of this element in comparison to 97 

 ppm in leaves from trees showing no interveinal loss of chlorophyll. 



Mn deficiency can be corrected by foliar applications of manganese 

 sulfate or by use of a fungicide containing Mn. If using manganese sulfate, 

 apply about first cover at a rate of 3 lbs per 100 gallons of water. When 

 using a Mn-containing fungicide apply 2 or 3 applications with timings about 

 petalfall and first and second covers. 



