Download Bloomington Community Orchard Fertility and Species Apple – also

Bloomington Community Orchard Fertility and Species Apple – also Pear, Quince desired pH: 6.5 or so drainage is key; well-­‐drained to moderately well-­‐drained soil. nitrogen – N is very easy to oversupply for apples. Nitrogen causes excessive shoot growth, delayed flowering and fruit set, and freeze damage to pre-­‐fruiting young trees. In our case, N requirements can be met completely with a leguminous cover crop; in the first year, however, supplementing N once in the spring and fall – or using compost – would be wise to encourage shoot development. boron – this nutrient is generally deficient in most soils and is key to maintaining tree health and also a host of other poorly understood activities such as pollen tube growth, fruit set, etcetera. 3 oz Borax per 1000 sq. ft. is about 8 lbs borax per acre (or about 1 lb total boron). other nutrients – both phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are supplied by utilizing a compost containing fresh or old manure. Using a slow-­‐release mulch inoculated with a saprophytic fungus such as Stropharia rugosa annulata may be the best, cheapest, and wisest way to manage long-­‐term other nutrient needs. If we aim to use legumes such as clover for perennial nitrogen needs, molybdenum (Mo) is key to nitrogen fixation: in most soils, adding lime or otherwise raising soil pH increases Mo availability and it should only be checked if the legumes in question look weak, sickly, or pale. Peach – also Plum, Apricot, Nectarine desired pH – 6.5 to 7.5 generally; forgiving of moderately alkaline soils (to pH 8.0). Some research shows that peaches and almonds actually lower pH at the root surface (assumed to also apply to plums, apricots, and nectarines due to their ability to thrive as well and their close genetic relationships). drainage – key, as it is for apples and pears. Any soil with ponding or squishiness for two days after a rain is definitely unsuitable. calcium – not a problem in excess except for soils with low magnesium. If Ca is high, supplemental Mg is recommended (our soil!) Pawpaw desired pH – 5.5 to 7ish drainage – see also apples, peaches: Pawpaws also have strong taproots that my penetrate fragipans. However, research shows at least a good meter of soil over a serious impediment (like rock) correlates strongly to healthy pawpaws.