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For beginners.....
The Soil World of Young Apple Trees
(Modified from original article written by J. Costante)
The key to a successful orchard, regardless of the size, is the management given to the trees in the first eight years. On top of the list of cultural management practices to follow is the soil preparation before and the two years following planting.
The soil environment of a young apple tree lies within an area approximately 5 feet wide, 6 feet long , and 10 inches deep. This area must be prepared to maintain ideal fertility to allow the young trees unimpeded growth. A two year preparation program for a new site should involve:
Correcting the soil pH
Building the organic matter level in the range of 10 to 15%
Adding the necessary soil nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, etc.
If this is a replant site, you need to have the soil tested for harmful pathogens and nematodes
Correcting water drainage
The best way to maintain fertility in your newly planted trees includes:
Conduct leaf and soil analysis annually. Leaf analysis are done from mid-July to mid- August, and soil analysis are done in the fall.
Water, at least 5 gallons/tree/week for 10-12 weeks during the growing season, particularly during the summer
Fertilizer, at least 1/3# of actual nitrogen/tree if organic matter is less than 6%, and 1/4# per tree is organic matter is over 6% but under 10%. Double these rates if you are planning on leaving sod around the trees
For trees 1 to 2 years, spray 1/4# Solubor/acre at 1st and 2nd cover sprays; for 3 to 5 year old trees spray 3/4# pear acre at each of the two cover sprays. Boron is an important element in root development.
Eliminate as much stress from the plant as possible by the applications of herbicide near the tree to eliminate weed competition, and by the addition of mulches around the tree to increase the organic matter. Table 1 indicates the impact of herbicide, mulches or both on various aspects of young tree growth versus a sod cover around the tree.
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