LIBRARY Michigan State University This is to certify that the thesis entitled Causes of Poor Tart Cherry Tree Growth on Reshaped Sites in Northwest Michigan presented by Stephen B. Fouch has been accepted towards fulfillment of the requirements for Master of Science degreein Horticulture / figs/Z7 [hue October 19, 1987 0-7639 MS U is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution MSU LIBRARIES " v RETURNING MATERIALS: Place in book drop to remove this checkout from your record. FINES will be charged if book is returned after the date stamped below. CAUSES OF POOR SOUR CHERRY TREE GROWTH ON RESHAPED SITES IN NORTHWEST MICHIGAN by Stephen Bruce Fouch A THESIS Submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Department of Horticulture 1987 ABSTRACT CAUSES OF POOR SOUR CHERRY TREE GROWTH ON RESHAPED ORCHARD SITES IN NORTHWEST MICHIGAN BY Stephen B. Fouch In a 1982 study, cherry and corn leaf samples were collected and analyzed for essential elements. Samples were collected from reshaped and non-reshaped orchard sites in Northwest Michigan. Cherry and corn samples from reshaped sites were lowest in Mg, B, and Mn. Corn samples from reshaped sites were also lower in Zn. Whole corn plant dry weight and grain yield were greatest on non-reshaped land. Soil samples were collectd at 30 cm intervals to a depth of 120 cm. Depth of topsoil and levels of NO3-N, Mg, and K were all greatest on non-reshaped sites, whereas soil pH was highest on reshaped land. The purpose of a 1983 greenhouse study was to look more closely at the interaction of soil pH and nutrient uptake by potted corn plants. Corn was grown for 24 days in soil from a reshaped site in Northwest Michigan. Soil was modified to three pH levels: 5.7, 6.1, and 8.2. Whole plants were dried and analyzed for essential nutrients. As soil pH decreased, corn tissue levels of Zn, Mn, Al, Fe, and P significantly increased. A final two year study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of a number of commercially available micro- nutrient materials applied in 1984 to cherry trees planted on reshaped land. Ground applied borate and foliar applied solubor were both effective at increasing leaf B concentra- tions. Foliar applied chelated zinc significantly increased tissue Zn levels, whereas ground applied zinc sulfate and chelated manganese had no effect. Although no materials were reapplied in 1985, tissue B levels remained above recommended standards under solubor and borate treatments. To my family and friends, especially my wife, Judy, and son, Ryan, for their love and patience. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the members of my guidance committee: Drs. R. L. Perry, C. D. Kesner, E. J. Hanson, and L. Robertson for their invaluable criticisms and suggestions during the research phase and preparation of this manuscript. I would also like to thank Charles Edson and Thomas Beckman for their generous assistance with laboratory work and data analysis. Finally, thanks to the staff of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station for assistance with field plot care and data collection each year. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . List of References. . . . . . . . . . . Section I Investigation of Cherry Orchards in Northwest Michigan Planted on Reshaped Land Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Materials and Methods . . . . . . . . . Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . List of References. . . . . . . . . . . Section II .11 .14 .23 .26 .28 The Effects of Soil pH taken from a Reshaped Orchard Site on Availability of B, Zn, and Mn to Young Corn Plants Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Materials and Methods . . . . . . . . . Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . List of References. . . . . . . . . . . Section III .32 .34 .36 .39 .40 .41 The Effects of Foliar and Soil Applied Fertilizers on Micronutrient Levels of Montmorency Sour Cherries Michigan Grown on a Reshaped Orchard Sites in Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Materials and Methods . . . . . . . . . Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . List of References. . . . . . . . . . . Appendix A: 1982 Grower Survey . . . . iv Northwest .44 .48 .50 .54 .56 .57 .60 Table LIST OF TABLES Section I Summary of reshaped and non-reshaped cherry orchards surveyed in Northwest Michigan, 1982. . Comparison of pH and level of various elements in soil samples from each of four reshaped and non-reshaped cherry orchards in Northwest Michigan, 1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Effect of soil depth on soil pH and various elements with values for reshaped and non— reshaped cherry orhcard sites combined in Northwest Michigan, 1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . Topsoil depth and penetrometer measurements from cherry orchards planted on reshaped and non-reshaped sites in Northwest Michigan, 1982 . Elemental composition of Montmorency cherry leaf tissue obtained from four reshaped and non- reshaped orchard sites in Northwest Michigan, 1982 O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Elemental composition of corn leaf tissue from four reshaped and non-reshaped cherry orchard sites in Northwest Michigan, 1982. . . . . . . . Comparison of whole plant corn dry weight and yield in samples from four reshaped and non— reshaped cherry orchard sites in Northwest Michigan, 1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section II Effect of three soil pH levels on tissue concentrations of nutrients in corn, growth in plastic pots under greenhouse conditions, 1983 . Effect of three soil pH levels on corn plant biomass under greenhouse conditions, 1983. . . . Page l6 l7 l8 19 20 21 22 37 38 LIST OF TABLES continued Table Page Section III 1. The effect of foliar and soil applied nutrients (Spring, 1984) on Montmorency cherry leaf tissue analysis (Summer, 1984), Traverse City, Michigan 51 2. The effect of foliar and soil applied nutrients (Spring, 1984) on Montmorency cherry leaf tissue analysis (Summer, 1985), Traverse City, Michigan 52 3. The effect of foliar and soil applied nutrients (Spring, 1984) on total terminal shoot growth (1984-1985), Traverse City, Michigan . . . . . . 53 vi INTRODUCTION FRUIT SITE SELECTION Commercial fruit growing is limited to specific regions which have proven profitable over many years. There are a number of factors that contribute to making a fruit site prime such as climate, elevation, soil characteristics, and slope (5,7,12,15,24,25). Temperature is the most important climatic factor affecting geographic distribution of fruits (5). Air temperatures below negative 29 degrees celsius during the mid winter months or below freezing around bloom time can cause severe crop loss (5,15). Wide temperature fluctuations are not desirable for deciduous fruits. Proximity to large bodies of water helps to moderate the air temperature minimizing damage by spring frosts. Relative elevation is another important factor. The most favorable sites are upland, rolling, or sloping fields not too steep for efficient orchard operations (5,7). Due to improved air drainage, fruit trees planted on higher elevation will tend to suffer less cold injury. An increase of 30 meters in elevation may make a 5-10 degree difference in minimum temperature. Most fruit trees grow best in well drained, uniform textured, sandy or sandy loam soils (5). Proper water drainage permits good internal aeration and extensive root development. Fruit trees will not tolerate wet soils during the growing season (15,24). At least 120 cm of soil depth is needed to permit unrestricted root penetration for proper growth and anchorage (15). CHERRY SITE SELECTION Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) trees have similar site requirements. Both thrive on a wide range of well drained soils. Prevailing soils in important cherry growing sections of the U.S. and particularly the Great Lakes Region are coarse-sand to sandy-loams, often underlaid by a fine textured subsoil (12). The sandy loam soils are usually well aerated and of medium to high natural fertility (15). Cherry orchards planted on ridges will usually suffer less frost damage, because cooler air drains into the lower elevations (15). Optimum slope is 2-12%, fairly uniform with well defined water and air flowage ways. Spring temperatures should remain cool to retard fruit bud development and minimize frost damage in the Northwest Michigan area. During pollination-fertilization periods of bloom daytime temperatures above (10 degrees celsius) and nighttime temperatures above (-2 degrees celsius). Although sour cherries tend to be more cold tolerant, mid winter air temperatures below (-29 degrees celsius) can cause significant damage to sweet and sour cherries (15). LAND RESHAPING Today there are over 11 million cherry trees of bearing age in the U.S. Over the past 15 years the number of acres has continued to increase as new sites were planted. As land prices increased in Northwest Michigan, some growers converted hilly wooded land into orchard sites by moving large quantities of earth (land reshaping) instead of buying additional parcels (21). This practice utilizes large earthmoving equipment to scrape away and stock-pile top soil. Ridges are then cut away to depths often exceeding 10 meters. Low areas are filled with subsoil resulting in a uniform slope. Top soil is respread over subsoil material and a new fruit site is available (21). Land reshaping, for the purpose of planting fruit trees, became popular in Michigan during the late 1960's (23). By the early 1980's, over 800 hectares of cherries in Northwest Michigan had been planted on reshaped land (3). Growers have observed high tree mortality on reshaped sites as well as, low vigor, gummosis, and a variety of leaf symptoms (21). The first phase of this research project was to distribute a grower survey to determine the extent of the problem (appendix A). Since a high percentage of reshaped sites planted to cherries exists in Northwest Michigan, a survey was mailed out to over 500 growers in that part of the state. Over 80% of the trees were of non-bearing age and were planted on sandy or sandy-loam soil. Most soil tended to be alkaline which is generally associated with poor micronutrient availability (6,9,11,13). Only 20% of the blocks had received an application of lime. This was consistant with the soil test results since most sites were neutral or of high pH. The majority of growers used a balance of N, P, and K fertilizer program. Only 5% had treated trees with foliar applied micronutrients. Foliar and ground applications are generally used to correct micronutrient deficiencies (1,2,4,14). Factors that greatly influence effectiveness of micronutrient applica- tions include rate, timing, weeds, soil pH, and soil moisture. It is generally accepted that foliar applications are a temporary solution and that some soil amendments are necessary to achieve long-term correction of a mineral deficiency. Land reclamation projects in various parts of North America have followed similar drastic earthmoving activities associated with strip mining (17,19,20,22) and landfills (8). Historically, surface mining has been done in the Eastern U.S. where overburden materials are acidic and rainfall ample. In recent years, surface mining has shifted to arid and semi-arid regions of the Western U.S. where soils are frequently alkaline (10). Livestock feed value and elemental content of forages grown on three Wyoming and Montana reclaimed mine sites were generally lower than nearby undisturbed areas (18,22). Forages from reclaimed land were lower in protein, phosphorus and zinc. Spent oil shales range from silt to sandy textured soils. These soils are often deficient in available nitrogen and phosphorus. Soil pH ranges from 8.0 to 12.0 (16). Former sanitary landfills have been developed into golf courses, parks and other recreational areas, but severe problems related to plant growth have been experienced (8). Toxic landfill gases, surface compaction, and lack of fertile topsoil were all found to be causes. As fruit growers continue to suffer loss of trees planted on reshaped land, the need for research becomes evident. With minimal literature available on agronomic crops and virtually no work related to fruit crops on reshaped land, it was important to at least take some preliminary steps. This thesis reports on three years of field and greenhouse research to define the primary cause(s) of poor cherry tree growth and vigor, and evaluate possible corrective actions. 10. 11. 12. LIST OF REFERENCES Boawn, Louis C. 1974. Residual availability of fertilizer zinc. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 38:800—803. Brown, A.L., B.A. Krantz, and P.E. Martin. 1964. The residual effect of zinc applied to soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 28:236-238. Bruski, Peter. 1985. Land reshaping for orchards and associated Problems. USDA Bulletin PB5. Burrell, A.B. 1958. Boron in apple leaves and fruit as influenced by sodium pentaborate sprays. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 71:20-25. Childers, Norman F. 1969. Modern Fruit Sci.. Hort. Publications, Rutgers University, N.J. Fuehring, H.D. and G.S. Soofi. 1964. Nutrition of corn on a calcareous soil: II. Effect of Zn on the yields of grain and stover in relation to other micronutrients. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 28:79-82. Gardner, Victor R., Frederick C. Bradford, and Henry Hooker, Jr. 1939. Fundamentals of Fruit Production. (2nd ed.) McGraw-Hill Book Co., N.Y. Gilman, Edward F., Ida A. Leone, and Franklin B. Flower. 1980. Factors affecting tree growth on resource recovery residual landfills. Reprint from proceedings of the 1980 National Waste Processing Conference, pp. 147-153. Hoeft, R.G. and R.C. Sorensen. 1969. Micronutrient availability in three soil materials as affected by applications of zinc, lime, and sulfur. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 33:924-928. Howard, Gene 5., Gerald E. Schuman, and Frank Rauzi. July, 1977. Growth of selected parts on Wyoming surface mined soils and flyash. J. Range Manage- ment. 30(4): 306-310. Kamprath, E.J. 1970. Exchangeable A1 as a criteria for liming leached mineral soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 34:252-254. Kesner, Charles D. and George McManus, Jr. Revised in November, 1977. Growing Cherries East of the Rocky Mountains. Farmers' Bulletin 2185:3-5. 6 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. l8. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. MacGregor, J.M., A. Sajjapongse, and O.M. Gunderson. 1974. Availability of fertilizer zinc to corn in a calcareous mineral soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 38:611-616. Nielson, G.H. and E.J. Hogue. 1983. Foliar application of chelated zinc and mineral zinc sulphate to zinc deficient ‘Mac' seedlings. Hort. Sci. 18(6):915-917. Red Tart Cherry Site Inventory (Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties). 1970. USDA. East Lansing, MI pp. 1-3. Schmehl, W.R. and B.D. McCaslin. 1973. Some properties of spent oil shale significant to plant growth. In R.J. Hutnik and G. Davis (ed) Ecology and Reclamation of Devastated Land. Gordon and Breach, New York, N.Y., 1:27-43. Schuman, G.E. Management of arid and semi-arid mined lands. International Soc. of Soil Sci. Commissions V and VI. Israel Soc. of Soil Sci.: March 29 - April 4, 1980 P. 80. Schuman, G.E. and James F. Power. March 26—27, 1980. Plant growth as affected by topsoil depth and quality on mined lands. Symposium of Soil Cons. Soc. of Amer. and Soil WRCC-21, Billings, MT. Schuman, G.E. and James F. Power. 1981. Topsoil management on mined lands. J. of Soil and Water Cons. 36(2): 77-78. Schuman, G.E., J.F. Power, and W.A. Berg. 1976. Management of mine wastes in the Western U.S. land applic. of waste materials. Soil Cons. Soc. of Amer. Ankeny, Iowa 50021. (100-194). Springer, Guy. 1959. Land reshaping for cherry orchards. USDA Soil conservation service fact sheet. Stanley, M.A., G.E. Schuman, F. Rauzi, and L.I Painter. 1982. Quality and element content of forages grown on three reclaimed mine sites in Wyoming and Montana. Reclamation and revegetation research 1:311-326. Elsevier Scientific Publishing Co., Amsterdam, Netherlands. Weber, Hermann L. May 7-9, 1969. Soil problems in land reforming for air drainage. Proc of Air Drainage and Land Forming Workshop for Frost Control on Fruit Sites. Pp. 41. 24. Westwood, Melvin N. 1978. Temperate Zone Pomology. W.H. Freeman and Co., S.F. Pp. 20—40; 129-168. 25. Westwood, M.N., and F.B. Wann. 1969. "Cherry Nutrition," pp. 158-173. In: Norman F. Childers (ed). Temperate to Tropical Fruit Nutrition. Somerset Press, Inc., Sumerville, N.J. SECTION I Investigation of Cherry Orchards in Northwest Michigan Planted on Reshaped Land ABSTRACT Leaf tissue samples were collected from sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L. cv Montmorency) and field corn (Zea Mays L.) planted on reshaped orchard sites in Northwest Michigan. Cherry and corn samples from reshaped sites were signifi- cantly lower in levels of Mg, B, and Mn than samples from non-reshaped sites. In addition, corn leaf tissue samples from reshaped sites were lower in Zn. Whole corn plant dry weights and grain yields were greatest on non-reshaped sites. Depth of topsoil and levels of soil NO3-N, Mg, and K were greatest on non-reshaped orchard sites, while soil pH was highest on reshaped sites. INTRODUCTION Commercial production of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is limited to definite regions which have proven over many years to be best adapted for optimum tree growth and production of consistant yields. There are a number of factors that contribute to making a prime fruit site including: climate, elevation, and soil (7,12,41,42). Temperature is the most important climatic factor affecting geographic distribution of cherries (12). Air temperatures below (-29 degrees celsius) during the mid-winter months or below freezing near bloom time can cause severe crop loss (28). Elevation is another factor that is closely related to air temperature. The most favorable cherry sites in Northwest Michigan are on upland rolling or sloping fields not too steep for efficient field operations. Due to improved air drainage, trees planted at higher elevations will tend to suffer less severe cold injury. Cherry trees grow best on well drained, uniform textured, sandy or sandy loam soils (12,21,41). In Michigan, these soils are usually well aerated and of medium to high natural fertility (28). At least 90 cm of soil depth is needed to permit unrestricted root penetration for proper growth and anchorage (41). Today Michigan produces eighty percent of the U.S. sour cherry crop and fifteen percent of the U.S. sweet cherry crop (26). During the past fifteen years, land prices have 9 10 continued to increase and some growers have decided to reshape land that was unplantable, due to its rolling topography and steep slopes, rather than purchase new tracts (37). The process of land reshaping involves the drastic movement and disturbance of large volumes of soil (4,11). Large earthmoving equipment is used to scrape topsoil, cut down ridges, fill valleys, and replace topsoil. Land reshaping of potential cherry sites became popular in Michigan during the early 1970's. By the early 1980's, over 800 hectares of cherries in Northwest Michigan had been planted on reshaped land (4). Trees planted on reshaped sites exhibit abnormal growth and low vigor (37, appendix A). Growers reported problems of gummosis, leaf chlorosis and rosetting, and death of limbs or entire trees (37). Very little information is available in the literature related to land reshaping. High soil pH, micronutrient deficiencies, lack of phosphorus, and low organic matter have all been associated with the above problems (31,40). Studies have been conducted on establishing horti- cultural and agronomic crops on land following mineral extraction and earth movement for industrial purposes. Lack of topsoil, alkaline soil, toxic gases, and various nutrient deficiencies were shown to cause poor plant survival and growth (13,17,37). The purpose of this project was to determine the cause(s) of unsatisfactory tree growth on reshaped orchard sites. 11 MATERIALS AND METHODS 1982 Orchard Site Selection Four orchard sites were selected in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties in Northwestern Michigan. All sites consisted of 3 to 6 year-old sour cherry trees (Prunus cerasus L. cv Montmorency) on g; Mahaleb L. seedling rootstock, having been established on both reshaped and non-reshaped soil. Soil texture ranged from sand to sandy loam, depending on orchard. Grower fertilizer programs usually consisted of annual nitrogen applications, depending on tree age. Site characteristics are summarized in Table 1. Two trees for each of four replications were randomly selected from within orchards planted on reshaped and non-reshaped portions of land. A sampled replication consisted of two cherry trees with a three meter row of corn (§g§_may§ L.) planted between. An area approximately 2.5 x 7.5 meters was prepared between the two trees for sowing corn seed. Soil was tilled and a sheet of 0.1 mm black plastic was centered between the trees to minimize weed competition. On May 10, 1982, corn was planted through the plastic and eventually thinned to a 30 cm spacing. Water was supplied through a trickle irrigation system on a weekly basis. No fertilizer was applied to the corn, whereas 0.5 kg ammonium nitrate was broadcast by hand around each tree. 1982 Soil Sampling and Analysis On August 15, soil samples were obtained from the center of each replication to depths of 0-30, 31-60, 61-90, and 91-120 cm using a 10 x 25 cm barrel auger. 12 Samples were dried at room temperature and sent to the Michigan State University soil testing lab for analysis. Samples were analyzed for levels of nitrate-nitrogen (N03), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and soil pH. Samples were not tested for micronutrients considering that correlations to crop response are not as strong as with tissue analysis procedures (3,6). Soil profiles were characterized to a depth of 120 cm, while soil density was determined down to 60 cm with a hand pene- trometer (1.5 mm blunt tip). Depth of topsoil was also measured. 1982 Cherry Tissue Sampling and Analysis Leaf samples were taken from cherry trees on August 15, 1982, and analyzed according to Michigan State University procedures (19,20). One hundred leaves were removed from the middle of the current seasons growth. Leaves were next washed and dried then analyzed for essential plant nutrients. Determination of P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, B, Al, and Mo tissue levels was made with an SMI IIIA directly coupled plasma emission spectrophotometer. 1982 Corn Tissue Sampling and Analysis Ear leaves were collected from each plant at tasseling just prior to the browning of silks (22,25). Tissue samples were washed, dried, and analyzed for essential plant elements. Corn plants were cut off at ground level at maturity on September 15, 1982, dried and weighed. Whole plant dry weight and grain yield were measured. 13 1983 Supplemental Orchard Site Selection To attempt to confirm 1982 findings, an additional seven orchard sites were selected in the spring of 1983. Only sour cherries planted on reshaped land were selected. Similar to the 1982 study, corn was planted through black plastic between two trees on May 9 and eventually thinned to a 30 cm spacing. Ear leaves were collected just prior to browning of silks, washed, dried, and analyzed for essential plant nutrients. 14 RESULTS 1982 Soil Analysis Concentrations of Mg, K, and NO3-N were significantly greater in soil samples from non-reshaped than reshaped orchard sites (Table 2). There were no significant differences in P or Ca levels between treatments, although soil Ca concentation tended to be higher on reshaped sites. Soil pH was higher in samples from reshaped (7.7) than non-reshaped sites (6.9). The effect of soil depth on various soil parameters is shown in Table 3. Soil NO3-N and P concentrations were greater in the top 30 cm, whereas Ca levels and pH tended to increase with depth, although not significantly. Average depth of topsoil was 22.5 cm on non-reshaped and only 9.8 cm on reshaped sites. Soil strength or density measured with a penetrometer was highest on non-reshaped orchard sites (Table 4). 1982 Cherry Leaf Tissue Analysis Leaf tissue Mg, B, and Mn concentrations were significantly greater in samples from non-reshaped than reshaped orchard sites (Table 5). Levels of Mg, Ca, B, Zn, Fe, Mn, P, and Cu in all samples, regardless of site, were below recommended standards established for cherries (20). 15 1982 Corn Tissue Analysis Levels of Mg, Ca, B, Zn, Mn were found to be greatest in samples from non-reshaped orchard sites (Table 6). Only Mo was highest in samples from reshaped orchard sites. Levels of K, B, Zn, P, and Mn in leaves from all sites were lower than established standards for corn (6). Whole plant dry weight and grain yield were significantly greater in samples from non-reshaped than reshaped sites (Table 7). 1983 Supplemental Orchard Site Selection Corn tissue levels from 1983 reshaped orchard sites, averaged 1.6% N, 0.22% Mg, 12.2 ppm Zn, 20.8 ppm Mn, 9.7 ppm B and were not significantly different than levels from 1982 reshaped sites. As in 1982, corn tissue levels of Zn, B, and Mn in 1983 were all below recommended values (6). .mpsum Nwma a“ moufim Ham no «maa wnflumm ca mums mos cofiumowammm umufiafiuuom n l6 new» amoa >ccmm oouu quoINH mm n.~ ocean I «hm m mmuo>mua tempo vummnmouIcoz \ \ “mom AwNHIov vamm mamoa \mouu\OI0Icm ch.H mammxamm\swcmaomq I 0x4 0 mmum>mue cacao coamnmom a umo%\oouu ANQINV amoa mpamm \mumuuwc Esaoawu wx o.H umaam I mzm m omuo>mua pcmuo pmamamoulaoz umom\oouu AquImNV amoH xwamm \mumuuwc anaoamo wx o.H umaam I mhm m omuo>wue vcmuu vommnmom 0 pack ANNHIoV Bmoa mpamm \mouu\oHIoHIoH mm mm.o mamao\uoaam I 0mm q amcmaoou vommnmouIaoz nook Aqulva pawn hamoa - \oouu\OIOIem mm n.o oxmg ummm\=mcmaooq I mag m amcmamoq poamnmom m new» ANoINV wcmm mBmOH Ioouu\OIOIqm mm m.o mxmmxamx\:mcmamm4 I qu m omuo>mua tempo poamnmmuIcoz new» ANmNImHV eaam Aamoa \oouu\OIOIqm mm m.o mxmmmeM\:mamHmoq I qu m mmum>mua vcmuw vmnmnmmm < Namuwoum Houfiafiuumm omoam\moauom Hwom ow< Nucaoo cofiuavaou ouwm oouH vumnouo .mmum nmwfisofiz auoummsnuuoc ca mmma ca co>m>u3w ethanouo muuoso wonmnmoulaoc can vommnmou mo Sumaaam .H oHan 17 Table 2. Comparison of pH and level of various elements in soil samples from each of four reshaped and non—reshaped cherry orchards in Northwestern Michigan, 1982. Treatment ‘__pH_ NO3 P K Ca Mg Reshaped 7.7 4.11 17.78 43.45 2061 40.73 Non-reshaped 6.9 5.90 28.30 74.03 1740 128.31 LSDz 0.5 1.16 NS 21.87 NS 50.59 zMean separation by LSD, significantly different at the .01 level. 18 Table 3. Effect of soil depth on soil pH and various elements with values for reshaped and non-reshaped cherry orchard sites combined in Northwest Michigan area, 1982. Kg/ha Depth(cm) EH Ng3_ P K Ca Mg 30 7.1a 7.38a 48.72a 75.36a 1459a 101.67a 60 7.3a 4.86b 16.31b 52.17a 1321a 58.71a 90 7.4a 3.92b 13.09b 55.50a 2318a 96.68a 120 7.5a 4.05b 13.09b 52.72a 2508a 80.80a 2 Values in the same column followed by same letter not siginicantly different at .05 level, Duncan Multiple Range Test. 19 Table 4. Topsoil depth and penetrometer measurements from cherry orchards planted on reshaped and non-reshaped sites in Northwest Michigan area, 1982. Treatment Topsoil Depth Penetrometer MeasurementX (cm) (kg/cmz) Non— reshaped 22.43 1.71 Reshaped 9.75 0.98 LSD2 8.13 0.45 2 Mean separation by LSD test at .01 level x Average of 6 measurements per rep at 60 cm depth 20 .Ammv mowccu osmmfiu muumnu Hmuwuwuo N .AmHv mwumvcmum mzmmfiu smudge echQEEOme a um uGoHoWMHc hauamofiwficwfim .umou 9mg hp mchHoo cflcuwz cam mzou oSu umuflm wcoam cOHumummmm cmmz x .Hm>ma Ho. . wwwmmm <2 ¢z <2 G ON <2 0 ma 0 ma <2 o.H <2 <2 Hmoflufiuo I I o.mm o.qHH o.omm 0.9m o.mo N~.o qw.a Hm.H SN.o x mvumwcmum m2 m2 m2 m.mH m2 m2 No.o m2 m2 m2 mo.o afiomg vmamsmmu m.oq 0.5 m.m H.om o.qm ~.~H m.n~ oa.o mm.H HN.H mq.o Icoz m.Hq ~.m m.n 5.5m M.NN m.ma m.qa “H.o mm.H mH.H Am.o commsmmm mm mm mm mm mm mm m m m mm mm Ema N mucmauuzz ucmam becaummua .Nwma .moum cmwfl50fiz ummznuuoz a“ moufim cumnouo poamgmmulao: can coamzmmu usom Eoum vocamuno osmmwu mama xuuono mucouoeucoz mo coaufimanou HmucoEon .m oHnme .Ho>mH Ho. um udopmmmav haucmowwwawaw .ummu 9mg ma mcaaaoo casufiz can mBou o3u umufim macaw coaumummmm news a .on mpumvcmum osmmfiu cuou vmwaoaaoomm N 21 I o.oa c.0oH o.mHH o.nm o.mH mm.o n~.N mm.o HN.o mcumvcmum mz m.mH mz m.om mz N.m o.a m2 m2 oa.o 0H.o % 9mg commSmou H.qm m.wc m.o~ ¢.oo w.am m.q~ n.m nw.o oo.H om.o Nq.o Icoz H.om «.mq n.0H H.mN N.NOH N.¢H m.< o~.o mm.H Nq.o om.o wmamnmom w. % mm .am fl mm. m m m .& wm and N N muaofiuunz unmam ucoaumoua .Nme .amwfizuwz umosnuuoz aw moufiw wumsouo annexe wommnmmuInp: new vommnmou “sow aoum mommau mama cuoo mo coaufimomaoo Housmaoam .w oHnme 22 Table 7. Comparison of whole plant corn dry weight and yield in samples from four reshaped and non- reshaped cherry orchard sites in Northwest Michigan, 1982. Treatment Dry Weight (g/3 plants) Yield (g/3 plants) Reshaped 20.4 1.4 Non- reshaped 184.4 28.7 LSDz 57.6 15.3 2 Mean separation by LSD test, significantly different at .01 level 23 DISCUSSION 1982 Mail Survey The first step in determining the cause(s) of low vigor in cherry trees planted on reshaped land was to mail a survey to area growers in March, 1982. A summary of the mail survey results can be found in Appendix A. Growers reported that soil texture on reshaped sites ranged from sandy to sandy loam, with most described as sandy. Coarse textured soils are characteristically low in fertility, cation exchange capacity (C.E.C.), and water holding capacity (42). In addition, 80% of the growers reported slightly acid to alkaline soil pH (greater than 6.5). Field symptoms included: deformed leaves, rosetting, gummosis, and limb death. All of these symptoms have been related to a number of micronutrient deficiencies including B and Zn (1.2). 1982 Soil Analysis Levels of Mg, K, and N03 were present in the highest concentration in samples from non-reshaped orchard sites. However, all elements were found to be below recommended soil standards established for cherry trees planted on reshaped orchard sites and below standards for K and P on non-reshaped sites (6,42). These soils were very sandy in texture and low in cation exchange capacity (less than 2.0 milliequivalents per 100 grams soil) according to the area soil survey (36). Native fertility level would be expected to be low. Growers would have to apply supplemental fertilizer to maintain good tree vigor and yield, especially on reshaped sites. 24 The depth of topsoil was greater on non-reshaped orchard sites (22.4 cm) than reshaped sites (9.8 cm). Although cation exchange capacity was not measured in this study, it would most likely be highest where the quantity of topsoil was greatest (9,16,32). Topsoil is an important source of plant nutrients (22,25,33). This demonstrates the importance of establishing topsoil over reshaped orchard sites. Lack of topsoil may be an important factor on reshaped sites related to poor tree growth. Soil pH also appears to be a key factor. pH was found to be higher on reshaped than non-reshaped sites and increased with depth. Subsoil in the Traverse City, Michigan, area tends to be calcareous with pH; in some cases exceeding 8.0. During the land reshaping process, large quantities of topsoil are moved, exposing deep calcareous subsoil (4,37). Calcareous soils are associated with the occurence of chlorotic plants of low vigor (11,15,24). Crop growth is often delayed and reduced (18,27). Although soil compaction can also severely restrict plant root growth and proliferation (2,21), it did not appear to be an important factor in this study. No compacted soil layers were observed at any of the orchard sites. In fact, penetrometer readings were greatest under trees and corn planted on non-reshaped land. It should be 25 noted that soil moisture content was not measured in this study and yet has a major effect on penetrometer readings (9). The findings may, therefore, be misleading. 1982 Cherry Leaf Tissue Analysis Tissue analysis can be valuable in determining plant nutrient needs (36,37). Levels of Mg, B, and Mn were lower in cherry leaves from reshaped than non-reshaped sites. The higher soil pH on reshaped land (7.7) may have decreased the uptake of Mn and B by cherry trees, as these elements become less available to plant roots as pH increases (1,23). Shallow topsoil on reshaped orchard sites may have been another important limiting factor. Organic matter, a component of topsoil, is a key source of micronutrients for plant roots (7,28). Tissue levels of Mg, Ca, B, Zn, Fe, Mn, P, and Cu were found to be below recommended standards for cherry, independent of site (19,20). However, only B, Mn, and Zn tissue concentrations in samples from reshaped land were at or below critical levels (35). This indicates that growers in this area should continue their program on N and K and closely monitor leaf tissue levels of secondary and micronutrients, regardless of site characteristics. 1982 Corn Tissue Analysis and Growth Similar results were found with corn as with cherry tissue analysis. Not only were levels of Mg, B, and Mn lower in corn leaves from reshaped sites, but also Zn, P, Ca, and M0 were detected to be lower. This might indicate 26 that corn is more sensitive at detecting deficient nutrient levels, especially Zn, P, Ca, and Mn. Corn leaf levels of B, Zn, Mn, P, and K were found to be below recommended concentrations (10,11). Again, lack of topsoil, low C.E.C., and alkaline pH are all factors that may be involved. Whole plant dry weight and grain yield of corn were significantly greater in samples from non-reshaped orchard sites. On most reshaped sites, corn plants were less than 60 cm in height and did not even produce ears. 1983 Corn Tissue Analysis An additional seven reshaped orchard sites were planted to corn in an effort to substantiate 1982 results. It needed to be confirmed that the four sites used in 1982 were representative of the Northwest Michigan area. Results were similar, with no difference between 1982 and 1983 corn tissue levels of N, Mg, Zn, and Mn. CONCLUSION Results from a 1982 grower survey indicated that reshaped soils were generally sandy in texture and of high pH. Growers reported a number of sour cherry tree symptoms commonly associated with micronutrient deficiencies, such as, B and Zn. In addition, most growers had applied only nitrogen fertilizer on a regular basis. According to field research in 1982, topsoil depth averaged less than 10.0 cm on reshaped orchard sites, less than half that found on non-reshaped sites. Topsoil is an important source of plant nutrients and may be limiting on 27 reshaped sites. High soil pH may also be an important factor on reshaped sites. High soil pH can decrease the availability of B, Zn and Mn. During the land reshaping process, a large quantity of soil is moved, exposing deep calcareous (high pH) subsoil. Although more research needs to be done on soil compaction during the reshaping process, it was not found to be a significant problem at sites selected in this study. Cherry and corn leaf tissue from reshaped sites were lower in levels of Mg, B and Mn than from non-reshaped sites. In additon, corn leaf tissue levels of Zn was lowest from reshaped sites. Whole corn plant dry weights and grain yield were greater on non-reshaped sites. In fact, corn plants on reshaped land grew so poorly that they didn't even produce ears. Research is needed to determine the feasability of lowering soil pH and its effect on micronutrient availability. If manipulation of soil pH is not acceptable, other methods of applying micronutrients to the soil surface or foliage should be evaluated, such as inorganic salts and synthetic chelates (30,39). The effect of cherry rootstocks was not studied. However, Hansen and Perry (1986) reported that mazzard was more efficient in uptake of B, K, and Zn than mahaleb rootstock. Possibly, growers should plant sour cherry trees on mazzard rootstock on reshaped orchard sites. 10. 11. 12. LIST OF REFERENCES Batjer, L.P., B.L. Rogers, and A.H. Thompson. 1953. Blossom blast of pears: an incipient boron deficiency. Amer. Soc. for Hort. Sci. 62:119-122. Brown, A.L., B.A. Krantz, and P.E. Martin. 1964. The residual effect of zinc applied to soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 28:236-238. Brown, J.R. 1970. Plant analysis. Missouri Agr. Exp. Sta. Bulletin. SB881. Bruski, Peter. 1985. Land reshaping for orchards and associated problems. USDA Bulletin. PB5. Burrell, A.B., Damon Boyton, and A.D. Crowe. 1956. Boron content of apple in relation to deficiency symptoms and to methods and timing of treatment. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 67:37-46. Chapman, H.D. (ed.). 1966. Diagnostic criteria for plants and soils. Univ. of California, Division of Agri. Sci., Berkley. Childers, Franklin N. 1954. Mineral Nutrition 9: Fruit Crops. Hort. Publications, New Brunswick, N.J. Diamond, Raymond B. May, 1972. Micronutrient sources and agronomic responses. Agrichemical Age. Foth, Henry D. 1978. Fundamentals 9f Soil Science. John Wiley and Sons, N.Y. Fuehring, H.D. 1966. Nutrition of corn on calcareous soil: III. Interaction of Zn and B with plant population and the relationship between grain yield and leaf composition. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 30:489-494. Fuehring, H.D. and G.S. Soofi. 1964. Nutrition of corn on a calcareous soil: II. Effect of Zn on the yields of grain and stover in relation to other micronutrients. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 28:79-82. Gardner, Victor R., Frederick C. Bradford, and Henry D. Hooker, Jr. 1939. Fundamentals 9f Fruit Production. McGraw—Hill Book Co., N.Y. 28 29 13. Gilmer, Edward F., Ida A. Leone, and Franklin B. Flower. 1980. Factors affecting tree growth on resource recovery residual landfills. Reprint from the Proceedings of the 1980 National Waste Processing Conference. pp. 147-153. 14. Hanson, Eric J. and Ronald L. Perry. 1987. A comparison of the nutrient uptake efficiency of mazzard and mahaleb cherry rootstocks. J. American Soc. Hort. Sci. Abst. no. 68. 15. Hoeft, R.G. and R.C. Sorensen. 1969. Micronutrient availability in three soil materials as affected by applications of zinc, lime, and sulfur. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 33:924-928. 16. Howard, Gene S. and Marilyn J. Samuel. 1979. The value of fresh stripped topsoil as a source of useful plants for surface mine revegetation. J. Range Management. 32(1):76-77. 17. Jackson, T.L., D.T. Westermann, and D.P. Moore. 1966. The effect of chloride and lime on the Mn uptake by bush beans and sweet corn. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 30:70-73. 18. Kamprath, E.J. 1970. Exchangeable Al as a criterion for liming leached mineral soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 34:252-254. 19. Kenworthy, A.L. 1950. Nutrient composition of leaves from fruit trees. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 55:41-46. 20. Kenworthy, A.L. and Lloyd Martin. 1966. "Mineral Contents of Fruit Plants", pp. 813-814. In: Norman F. Childers (ed.). Temperate to Tropical Fruit Nutrition. Somerset Press, InET, Somerville, N.J. 21. Kesner, Charles D. and George McManus, Jr. November, 1977. Growing Cherries East gf the Rocky Mountains. Farmers' Bulletin 2185. 22. Lockman, R.B. 1969. Relationships between corn yields and nutrient concentrations in seedling whole-plant samples. Agron. Abstr., p. 97. Amer. Soc. Agron., Madison, WI. 23. Lott, Wreal. 1938. The relation of hydrogen ion concentration to the availability of Zinc in soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 3:115-121. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 30 Malstrom, Howard L., Lloyd B. Fern, and Tim R. Riley. Methods of zinc fertilization (unpublished). Melstead, S.W., H.L. Motto, and T.R. Peck. 1969. Critical plant nutrient composition values useful in interpreting plant analysis data. Agron. J. 61:17-20. Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Survey. 1982. Michigan Dept. of Agr., Lansing, Mich. Midgley, A.R. 1932. Overliming acid soils. J. of the Amer. Soc. Agron. 24: 822-836. Red Tart Cherry Site Survey. 1970. USDA. Reuss, J.O. and R.B. Campbell. 1961. Restoring productivity to leveled land. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 302-304. Rhoads, W.A., A. Wallace, and E.M. Romney. 1956. A slowly soluble source of micronutrients for plants. 81:359—369. Schuman, G.E. March 29 - April 4, 1981. Management of arid and semi-arid mined lands. International Soc. of Soil Sci. Commissions I and VI. Israel Soc. of Soil Sci. P. 80. Schuman, G.E. and James F. Power. March 26-27, 1980. Plant growth as affected by topsoil depth and quality on mined lands. Symposium of Soil Conservation Soc. of America and WRCC-21, Billings, MT. Schuman, G.E. and James F. Power. 1981. Topsoil management on mined lands. J. Soil Water Cons. 36(2):77-78. Schuman, G.E., J.F. Power, and W.A. Berg. 1976. Management of mine wastes in the Western U.S. Soil Cons. Soc. of Amer. Akeny, Iowa. 180-194. Shear, C.B., and M. Faust, 1980. Nutritional ranges in deciduous tree fruits and nuts. Hort. Rev. 2:142-163. Soil Survey (Grand Traverse County, Michigan). January, 1966. U.S. Govt. Printing Office. Washington, D.C. Springer, Guy. 1959. Land reshaping for cherry orchards. SCS Fact Sheet. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 31 Stanley, M.A., G.E. Schuman, F. Rauzp, and L.I. Painter. 1982. Quality and element content of forages grown on three reclaimed mine sites in Wyoming and Montana. Reclamation and revegetation research 1:311-326. Elsevier Scientific Publishing Co., Amsterdam, Netherlands. Wallace,A., C.P. North, R.T. Mueller, and N. Hemaidan. 1953. Chelating agents as a means of supplying micros to woody plants in alkaline and calcareous soils. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 62:116-118. Weber, Hermann L. May 7-9, 1969. Soil problems in land reforming for air drainage. Proceedings of Air Drainage and Land Forming Workshop for Frost Control on Fruit Sites. Pp. 41-42. Westwood, M.N. 1978. Temperate Zone Pomology. W.H. Freeman and Co., S.F., pp. 20-40; 129-168. Westwood, M.N., and F.B. Wann. 1969. "Cherry Nutrition", pp. 158-173. In: Norman F. Childers (ed.). Temperate 59 Tropical Fruit Nutrition. Somerset Press, Inc., Somerville, N.J. SECTION II The effects of soil pH taken from a reshaped orchard site on availability of B, Zn, and Mn to young corn plants ABSTRACT In a 1983 greenhouse study, corn (Zea_m§y§ L.) was planted into plastic pots filled with soil from a reshaped orchard site, Northwest Michigan. Soil was modified to three pH levels, 5.7, 6.1, and 8.2. Corn was grown for 24 days and supplied only primary and secondary nutrients. Whole plants were dried and analyzed for essential nutrients. As soil pH decreased, corn tissue levels of Zn, Mn Al, Fe, and P significantly increased. Soil pH had no effect on whole plant dry weight. INTRODUCTION Michigan produces eighty precent of the U.S. sour cherry crop and fifteen percent of the sweet cherry crop. During the past fifteen years, land prices have continued to increase and some growers have decided to reshape their land (23). The process of land reshaping involves the drastic movement and disturbance of large volumes of soil (5,11). Large earthmoving equipment is used to scrape away topsoil, cut down ridges, fill valleys, and replace topsoil. Trees planted on reshaped land can exhibit gummosis, leaf chlorosis and rosetting, and death of limbs or entire trees (23). Orchard surveys conducted by Fouch and Perry in 1982 and 1983 (unpublished) indicated that cherry and corn leaf tissue collected from reshaped orchard sites were deficient in Mg, B, Mn, and Zn. In addition, soil pH was significantly higher on reshaped than non-reshaped sites. High soil pH and lack of micronutrient availability have caused poor growth and yield in corn (Zea gays L.) (3,6,10,16,). Calcareous soils are associated with the occurence of "lime induced" chlorosis, often caused by inadequate boron (B), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) (11,16,18,19,65). The availability of soil Zn and Mn to plant roots significantly decreases when soil pH exceeds 6.8 (7,8,21,27). A number of factors are involved in availability of Zn and Mn to plant roots. Zinc deficient 32 33 soils tend to be alkaline and low in organic matter (4,12,15). The principal ionic form of Zn assimilated by plants is Zn+2 whereas ZnOz-2 ions occur under alkaline conditions (1). Factors affecting Mn availability include soil moisture, pH and organic matter content (23,26). Manganese availability significantly decreases as moisture and organic matter decrease. As soil pH exceeds 7.0, the reduced ionic form (Mn+2) is converted to the oxidized form (Mn+4 ) (25). This is next converted into manganese dioxide which becomes insoluble and unavailable to plants. High soil pH also reduces the availability of B, especially above a value of 8.0 (2,5). Fixation is due to a reversible chemical reaction that is not fully understood (20). As with Zn, lack of organic matter or low soil moisture can significantly decrease available B (13,14). The purpose of this study was to confirm earlier field observations that soil pH has an impact on nutrient availability to plants growing on reshaped land. Special emphasis was placed on tissue levels of micronutrients. Soil used was obtained from a reshaped orchard site in N.W. Michigan where cherry trees and corn had exhibited low vigor and micronutrient deficiency symptoms (Fouch, unpublished). This soil was sandy textured, low C.E.C., and had a high pH level. Corn was planted in containers under controlled greenhouse conditions. 34 MATERIALS AND METHODS Soil Amendments Approximately 160 kg of soil was carefully excavated from a depth of 20 to 50 cm and collected from a reshaped orchard site in Northwest Michigan's Leelanau County, on October 1, 1983. Soil was Leelanau - Kalkaska loamy sand of low fertility. It was transported to Michigan State E. University, mixed, steam-sterilized, and split into three separate lots. Soil lots were amended with the following i dry materials to achieve three pH levels: low, medium and i high: pH Treatment Soil Amendments Low Gypsum + 0-46-0 Medium Gypsum + 0-46-0 High CaCO3 + 0-46-0 Soil amendments were used to supply adequate phosphorus for plant growth and calcium to maintain a high soil pH for_ the alkaline treatment. The following rates were used to achieve these goals: 0.6lg CaCOB/Kg soil 0.84g CaSO4/Kg soil 0.429 0-46-0/Kg soil Nutrient Solutions In a greenhouse under mercury vapor lights, field corn (Pioneer 3901) was then planted into 7 liter plastic pots containing the above soil. Six seeds were planted and thinned to three plants per pot after seven days. Over the period of 24 days, plants were watered with the following 35 nutrient solutions to maintain distinct soil pH and supply plants N, K, Mg, and S. pH Treatments Nutrient Solutions Low KNO3 + MgSO4 + H2804 Medium KNOB + MgSO4 High KNOB + MgSO4 In establishing these two watering solutions, the following rates were used for each ingredients: 90.39 KNO3/liter of H20 256.89 M9 SO4.7H20/1iter of H20 11 ml 1% HZSO4/liter of H20 Pots were regularly watered with the sufficient nutrient solution to collect a minimum of 300 m1 of leachate from each pot. Leachate pH was measured after each watering. Starting and ending leachate pH are listed below: pH Treatment 923;.Eg Nov. _1 Low 5.1 5.7 Medium 5.8 6.1 High 7.2 8.2 Tissue Analysis Corn plants were removed from pots 24 days after planting. Plant tops and roots were washed, dried, and stored separately. Entire tops of corn plants were ground and analyzed for K, P, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, B, Ca, Mn, and Mo. Dry weight of tops and roots were also measured. 36 RESULTS Corn Tissue Analysis Al, Zn, Fe, P, and Mn were present in tissue samples at highest concentrations at the lowest soil pH (5.7) level (Table 1). Mo was found to be in highest tissue concentrations under the most alkaline condition. B, Ca, Cu, M9 and K showed no significant differences among soil pH levels. Levels of P, Ca, and M9 were below recommended standards at all soil pH levels (17). Copper was below standards at only the medium and high pH treatments. Dry weight of tops and roots were not significantly affected by soil pH treatments (Table 2). No visual leaf symptoms of deficiencies among the treatments were observed. 37 .Amav ovuvaMum cammflu mama auou povcmaaoomm x .umoH owcmm mamfiuasz m.:muc=a .Hm>oH mo. um uaoumMMfiv hauawUAMchHm uoc umuuoa mmmo uo3oH been an poaoaaow cesaoo mean a“ mm=Hm> N I ooHIom ONIN mmln COMIom omION I ow.0Iom.o o.mlo.m oo.HIoa.o ow.Oqu.o x mpumpcmum n~c.~ omoH am.m .mm.n now one no.0H NNH.o mm.m mam.o oqm.o .awfim mmw.a nNmH mo.~ mm.n nwm QNOH no.0a mHH.o m~.m mmm.c nam.o Suave: moo.~ mama mm.n mq.m QNNH cmna m¢.mN mmad m~.n mom.o Nmmm.o 304 mm elz. a m fl Mm m...“ mm m Mm m 8mm N HzmzHoH ma Hwom mounu mo uoommm .H.oHan 38 Table 2. Effect of three soil pH levels on corn plant biomass under greenhouse conditions, 1983. ER Treatment TOPS (d.w.) Roots (d.w.) (g) (9) Low 8.80a2 8.82a Medium 8.81a 8.53a High 9.23a 8.89a 2 Values in same column followed by same lower case letter not significantly different at .05 level, Duncan's Multiple Rande Test. 39 DISCUSSION The purpose of this study was to confirm earlier field observations that soil pH has an impact on nutrient availability to plants growing on reshaped land, with special emphasis on micronutrient uptake. By supplying only N, P, K, and M9, the inherent availability of micronutrients could be followed through corn leaf tissue analysis. A strong association had been found between micronutrient uptake by corn and sour cherry. Tissue levels of Al, Zn, Fe, P, and Mn were lowest at the highest soil pH (8.0). Additionally, Zn, P, and Mn significantly increased in tissue concentration at each drop in soil pH. These results closely parallel nutrient availability charts for mineral soils (9). The availability of all micronutrients, except M0, is significantly reduced as pH exceeds 7.0. Fouch and Perry (unpublished, 1982) found very similar response in corn nutrient uptake for reshaped orchard sites. Most tissue nutrient levels were within recommended levels at all pH levels (17). Tissue P, Ca, and M9 levels were below recommended standards in all three pH treatments, whereas Cu was substandard in only the medium and high pH treatments. The lack of soil pH effect on dry weights of tops and roots may be partly due to the wide optimum range of soil pH for corn, 5.5-7.5 (28). All three soil pH levels used in this study were approximately within this range. 40 Depressed growth might have been expected where alkaline conditions can cause significantly less available Zn and Mn (11,18). CONCLUSION Although acidification of alkaline soils from reshaped orchard sites does appear to significantly increase tissue levels of Zn, Mn, Al, Fe, and P in corn, the economic feasibility requires more field study. Application of various acidifying materials could be evaluated as related to nutrient uptake by corn and cherry, such as: sulfuric acid, ammonium sulfate, mineral sulfur, and ammonium nitrate. Additionally, there are a large number of foliar sprays available on the market. These may offer the most rapid plant response where deficiencies exist or high soil pH reduces uptake. 10. 11. L IST OF REFERENCES Barrows, Harold L., Marshall S. Neff, and Nathan Gammon, Jr. 1960. Effect of soil type on mobility of zinc in the soil and its availability from zinc sulfate to tung. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 24:367-372. Biggar, J. W. and M. Fireman. 1960. Boron adsorption and release by soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 24:115-117. Boawn, Louis C., Frank G. Viets, Jr., C. L. Crawford, and J. L. Nelson. 1960. Effect of N-carrier, nitrogen rate, zinc rate, and soil pH on zinc uptake by sorghum, potatoes, and sugar beets. Soil Sci. 90:329-332. Brown, A. L., B. A. Krantz, and P. E. Martin. 1964. The residual effect of zinc applied to soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 28:236-238. Bruski, Pete. 1985. Land Reshaping for Orchard and Associated Problems. USDA Bulletin 1985-5. Conner, S. D. 1932. Factor affecting Mn availability in soils. J. Amer. Soc. of Agron. 24:726-733. Diamond, Ray B. May, 1972. Micronutrient sources and agronomic responses. Agrichemical Age. Epstein, E. and P. R. Stout. 1951. The microelement cations: Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca; their uptake by plants from the absorbed state. Soil Sci. 72:47-65. Foth, Henry D. 1978. Fundamentals 9: Soil Science (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, N.Y. Fuehring, H. D. 1966. Nutrition of corn on calcareous soil: III. Interaction of zinc and boron with plant population and the relationship between grain yield and leaf composition. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 30:489-494. Fuehring, H. D. and G. S. Soofi. 1964. Nutrition of corn on a calcareous soil: II. Effect of Zn on the yields of grain and stover in relation to other micronutrients. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 28:79-82. 41 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 42 Gall, O. E. 1936. Zinc sulfate studies in the soil. Citrus Industry. 17:20-21. Harada, Togoro and Makoto Tamai. 1968. Some factors affecting behavior of boron in soil. Soil Sci. Plant Nutr. 14(6):215-224. Hobbs, J. A. and B. R. Bertramson. 1949. Boron uptake by plants as influenced by soil moisture. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 14:257-261. Hoeft, R. G. and R. C. Sorensen. 1969. Micronutrient availability in three soil materials as affected by applications of zinc, lime, and sulfur. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 33:924-928. Jackson, T. L., D. T. Westermann, and D. P. Moore. 1966. The effect of chloride and lime on the Mn uptake by bush beans and sweet corn. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 30:70-73. Lockman, R. B. 1969. Relationships between corn yields and nutrient concentrations in seedling whole plant samples. Agron. Abstr., p. 97. Amer. Soc. Agron., Madison, WI. MacGregor, J. M., A. Sajjapongse, and O. M. Gunderson. 1974. Availability of fertilizer zinc to corn in a calcareous mineral soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 38:611-616. Narftel, James A. 1937. Soil liming investigations: I. The relation of B deficiency to over-liming injury. J. Amer. Soc. Agron. 29:761-771. Olson, R. V. and K. C. Berger. 1946. Boron fixation as influenced by pH, 0 m., and other factors. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 11:216-220. Peech, Michael. 1941. Availability of ions in light sandy soils as affected by soil Rx. Soil Sci. 51:473-486. Rattan, Cal and G. S. Taylor. 1970. Drainage and nutrient effects in a field lysimeter study: II. Mineral uptake by corn. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 34:245-248. Springer, Guy. 1959. Land reshaping for cherry orchards. SCS Fact Sheet. Terman, G. L. and S. E. Allen. 1974. Accretion and dilution of nutrients in young corn as affected by yield response to N, P, and K. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 38:455-460. 25. 26. 27. 28. 43 Truog, E. 1946. Soil Rx influence on availability of plant nutrients. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 10:305-306. Walker, John M. and Stanley A. Barber. 1960. The availability of chelated Mn to millet and its equilibria with other forms of Mn in the soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 24:485-488. Wear, John I. 1956. Effect of soil pH and calcium on uptake of Zn by plants. Soil Sci. 81:311-315. Willis, L. G. 1932. The effect of liming soils on the availability of manganese and iron. Amer. Soc. Agron. 24:716-726. SECTION III The effects of foliar and soil applied fertilizers on micronutrient levels of Montmorency sour cherries grown on a reshaped orchard site in Northwest Michigan ABSTRACT An attempt was made to evaluate the effectiveness of a number of commercially available micronutrient materials applied in 1984 to cherry trees planted on reshaped land. Ground applied borate and foliar applied solubor were both effective at increasing leaf B concentrations. Foliar applied chelated zinc significantly increased leaf tissue levels, whereas ground applied zinc sulfate and foliar applied chelated manganese had no effect. Although no materials were reapplied in 1985, tissue B levels remained above recommended standards under solubor and borate treatments. INTRODUCTION In a previous study in the Traverse City, Michigan, area, poor growth of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L. cv Montmorency) trees was reported (Fouch, unpublished). Trees were planted on reshaped sites where large quantities of soil had been redistributed. It was determined that low vigor of trees was aggravated by low B, Mn, and Zn availability associated with alkaline soil conditions. Micronutrients are vital to plant growth. Three micronutrients have been studied widely in fruit crops: zinc, (Zn), boron (B), and manganese (Mn). Zinc and boron deficiencies are common throughout the world (1,2,36). Manganese deficiency tends to be less common. Symptoms of zinc deficiency on tree fruits include combinations of chlorosis, rosetting, die-back, bronzing, white bud, and little leaf (1,15). Boron deficiency is characterized by blossom blast (2), interveinal chlorosis (36), and poor fruit set (26). Manganese deficiency symptoms are similar to zinc but leaf size is not affected (36). Soil pH has a major influence on the availability of zinc, boron and manganese (13,17,24,27,30,31). Availability of these nutrients decreases as soil pH increases above pH 6.5. As soil pH approaches 9.0, virtually all zinc and manganese is fixed (29). As soil pH approaches 8.0, boron decreases in availability (28). Excessive soil moisture can cause boron to leach down through the soil profile and out of the root zone (2,16). 44 45 Zinc and Mn may also leach through coarse textured soils (31). Low soil organic matter can also contribute to deficiencies of boron and zinc, as the organic fraction of the topsoil is an important source of these elements (4,14). Manganese, on the other hand, tends to be tied up in the organic matter and less available (31). Micronutrient deficiencies have been corrected by foliar and soil applications (4,7,8,9,12,21,25,31). Many factors may influence the effectiveness of micronutrients to a crop. The most influential are the rates applied, weed competition, timing, nutrient interactions, soil pH, and moisture. It is generally accepted that foliar applications are a temporary solution and that some soil amendments are necessary to achieve long term correction of a mineral deficiency. In the 1950's it was determined that two pear disorders, blossom blast and twig die-back were caused by boron deficiency (2). A fall foliar spray and a spring spray (2.29 boric acid/l) were both highly effective in correcting the disorders. A similar experiment compared three fall foliar sprays of borax (3.39/1), to polybor at 1.19/1 or 2.29/1. All three sprays effectively controlled the symptoms the following year (18). 46 In the lower Hudson Valley of New York, two foliar sprays of borax were applied to MacIntosh apples at one and three weeks after petal fall to correct boron deficiency (9). Borax (Na2B402) was also applied to the soil as a third treatment. The boron content in the tissue was significantly greater in leaves from trees receiving foliar applied boron than soil applied. Solubor (Na2B10016) has become popular in recent years because it is compatable with a variety of pesticides. Sprays (1.1-2.29/l) one and three weeks after full bloom are most effective (6,8,36). Soil pH and lime content effect on the ability of plants to obtain zinc from soils (5). Where ammonium sulfate is applied to the soil, zinc uptake increases in plants as soil pH drops. Where soil is acidified with sulfuric acid, zinc uptake can be increased (13). Zinc deficiency seems to be a widespread problem in arid Western districts and spotty in the humid Southeast. Early attempts to control zinc deficiency on fruit by soil application generally failed (22). Foliar applications of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and zinc oxide (ZnO) at ten days after full bloom on apples were effective at increasing tissue levels and reducing little leaf symptoms. (15). Uptake of both zinc and manganese decreases as soil pH increases (13,17,29). Application of chelated (EDTA, HEEDTA) zinc and manganese are used to effectively correct deficiencies today (11,27,32,37). 47 The purpose of this research project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a number of commercially available micronutrient fertilizers on sour cherry trees planted on reshaped land. A reshaped orchard site was selected in N.W. Michigan where cherry trees have historically exhibited micronutrient deficiency symptoms and low vigor (Fouch, unpublished). 48 MATERIALS AND METHODS In 1984, a single reshaped site was selected in Northwest Michigan (Grand Traverse County). It was planted to a five year old block of sour cherries (Prunus cerasus L. cv Montmorency) on mahaleb rootstock (Prunus mahaleb L. seedling). The soil pH on this site was 7.4 and of sandy texture. A randomized complete block design was used with five replications and two trees per plot. Eight treatments were applied as follows: Treatment Rate 1. Control 2. Soil applied borate 25Kg/ha (43% B205; 13.35%B) 3. Solubor (20% B) 1.29/1 H20 4. Hampshire Chelated zinc (8.4% Zn) 2.5 ml/l H20 5. Soil applied zinc sulfate l6K9/ha (36% Zn; 17.5% S) 6. Foliar manganese (5% Mn) 2.5 ml/l H20 7. Nutraphos K + sorba spray ZBK 6 Kg + 51/ha (Leff.I) 8. Nutraphos 3-15 (Leff.II) 6 Kg/ha + Sorba spray ZBK + Sorba spray ZIP Leffingwell is a division of Uniroyal Berry St., P.O. Box 1880, Brea, CA 92621. used were manufacturers' recommendations. contents of products used are listed below: + 1.0 liter/ha + 1.0 liter/ha Chemical, 111 8. Rate of materials Elemental %N %PZOS %KZO %Ca %5 %Zn %Mn %B Nutra-Phos K 32.0 15.0 31.0 Nutra-Phos 3-15 15.0 7.5 3.0 15.0 15.0 ZBK 1.0 6.0 10.0 1.0 ZIP 8.0 2.0 1.0 Ground applied treatments of borate and zinc sulfate were broadcast within drip lines of trees on 5/15/84. Foliar treatments were applied in the first two cover sprays 9'. I. 'ifl'l’lh'u—u .’ w' I Jill 49 (one and three weeks after full bloom) with a hand gun to a point of runoff during slow drying conditions. Materials were not reapplied in 1985. Leaf samples were taken in August, 1984 and 1985 for the center of the current season's growth. Samples were analyzed for concentrations of Zn, B, Mn, Mg and N according to MSU procedures (19,20). Terminal shoot length was measured on six limbs per tree (all sides) once terminal buds had been set each year. 50 RESULTS 1984 Leaf Tissue Analysis Only chelated zinc applied at first and second cover sprays significantly increased the leaf concentration of zinc (Table 1). Soil applied zinc sulfate had little effect. Both solubor applied at first and second cover and soil applied borate dramatically increased leaf boron from 8.6 ppm (control) to 56.0 ppm and 91.0 ppm, respectively. Ground applied B resulted in a greater increase in leaf B than foliar sprays. No other treatments had any significant effect on the elements being studied. 1985 Leaf Tissue Analysis By 1985, there were no longer any differences in foliar zinc levels due to treatments in 1984 (Table 2). Levels of manganese, magnesium, and nitrogen continued to show no differences among treatments. There was a residual effect in 1985 of both solubor and borate treatments. Leaf tissue boron concentrations remained approximately at 1984 levels. Only the LEFF II treated trees demonstrated any difference in growth, whereas the other treatments did not affect shoot growth. 51 Table 1. The effect of foliar and soil applied nutrients (Spring, 1984) on Montmorency cherry leaf tissue analysis (Summer, 1984), Traverse City, MI. Zn B Mn % Treatment (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) Mg %N 1. Control 10.2bz 8.6c 79.4 0.35 2.98 2. Ground applied borate 10.6b 91.0a 58.6 0.40 3.26 3. Solubor 11.2b 56.0b 81.0 0.37 3.22 4. Chelated Zinc 20.8a 18.4c 65.6 0.39 2.78 5. Ground applied zinc sulfate 12.4b 10.2c 37.4 0.35 2.94 6. Chelated manganese 10.4b 13.0c 67.4 0.38 3.09 7. Nutraphos K + ZBK 13.6b 15.2c 61.8 0.39 3.03 8. Nutraphos 3-15 + ZBK + ZIP 11.8b 17.4c 56.8 0.39 3.09 2Values in same column followed by same letter not signifi- cantly different at .05 level, Duncan Multiple Range Test. 52 Table 2. The effect of foliar and soil applied nutrients (Spring, 1984) on Montmorency cherry leaf tissue analysis (Summer, 1985), Traverse City, MI. Zn B Mn % Treatment (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) Mg %N 1. Control 12.5az 19.0c 135.4 0.49a 3.68a 2. Ground applied borate 15.2a 72.6a 49.8 0.49a 3.82a 3. Solubor 14.8a 47.6b 107.9 0.48a 3.48a 4. Chelated Zinc 14.3a 24.5c 92.6 0.57a 3.35a 5. Ground applied zinc sulfate 15.9a 18.0c 49.5 0.52a 3.10a 6. Chelated manganese 14.2a 18.9c 74.8 0.51a 3.44a 7. Nutraphos K + ZBK 12.9c 21.6c 82.9 0.56a 3.46a 8. Nutraphos 3-15 + ZBK + ZIP 14.9a 22.3c 73.9 0.59a 3.32a 2Values in same column followed by same letter not signifi- cantly different at .05 level, Duncan Multiple Range Test. 53 Table 3. The effect of foliar and soil applied nutrients (Spring, 1984) on total terminal shoot growth (1984 - 1985), Traverse City, MI. Total Shoot Length Treatment (1984 - 1985) (cm) 1. Control 10.2152 2. Ground applied borate 12.0ab 3. Solubor 12.0ab 4. Chelated zinc 12.5ab 5. Ground applied zinc sulfate 12.3ab 6. Chelated manganese 12.5ab 7. Leffingwell I 11.7ab 8. Leffingwell II 14.2a 2Values in same column followed by same letter not significantly different at .05 level, Duncan Multiple Range Test. 54 DISCUSSION In the first year (1984) micronutrient fertilizers were applied at manufacturers recommended rates and timing. Only chelated zinc applied at first and second cover significantly increased the leaf concentration of zinc. Ground applied zinc sulfate had little effect on tissue level. This is consistant with previous findings that zinc is highly unavailable at soil pH above 7.0 (4,5,13,30,33). Higher rates of zinc sulfate might have been more effective. Leffingwell I and II treatments supplied 4.4 Kg Zn/ha and 1.9 Kg Zn/ha, respectively. Neither had a significant impact on leaf Zn, whereas the chelated Zn treatment significantly increased leaf Zn, while supplying only 0.2 Kg Zn/ha. Solubor applied at first and second cover was effective in increasing B levels in leaf tissue from 8.6 ppm to 56.0 ppm. Solubor has been shown to be both inexpensive and effective as a foliar spray on fruit trees (6,8,10). Ground applied borate dramatically increased leaf boron from 8.6 ppm to 91.0 ppm. more effectively than solubor. This may be explained by comparing the rates of B applied with each treatment. Solubor added only 1.6Kg B/ha, while borate added 3.3Kg B/ha. Borate was applied at a rate of 25 kg/ha (3K9 B/ha). Boron, unlike zinc is available even at soil pH above 8.0 (28,34). Additional micronutrients were not applied in 1985, in order to determine the residual effects of 1984 treatments. Zinc tissue level in control trees dropped from 20.8 ppm to 55 14.3 ppm. Zinc is relatively immobile in fruit trees, although mobility increases as tissue concentrations increase (11). Zinc was probably lost at leaf drop during the previous growing season. Both solubor and borax treatments showed no significant decrease in B leaf tissue level over the two year period. Boron, like zinc, tends to be immobile in fruit trees (23). However, boron tissue levels have been shown to remain consistant for several years if leaf concentration was adequate (8,9). Only the Leffingwell II treatment significantly effected total shoot length increase. This was confusing since the Leffingwell traetments contained near equal nutrient composition. Additionally, where Zn and B leaf levels were significantly increased with solubor, borate and chelated zinc, an increase in terminal growth was expected. Perhaps the small quantity of N found only in the Leffingwell II treatment (3%) was a factor. 56 CONCLUSIONS Ground applied borate and foliar applied solubor were very effective at increasing boron levels in cherry leaf tissue. Both materials had excellent residual activity with reapplication unnecessary the second year. Foliar applied chelated zinc significantly increased zinc tissue concentration the year of application but had no residual effect the following year. Ground applied zinc sulfate had no effect on leaf zinc concentrations. The high soil pH, typical of reshaped orchard sites, may render zinc containing materials unavailable to plant roots. Foliar applied micronutrients appear to be a good choice for growers, due to ease of application and effectiveness. More research needs to be done as new materials are marketed on methods of application and cost-benefit analysis. 10. 11. 12. LIST OF REFERENCES Barrows, Harold L., Marshall S. Neff, and Nathan Gammon, Jr. 1960. Effect of soil type on mobility of zinc in the soil and its availability from zinc sulfate to tung. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 24:367-372. Batjer, L. P., B. L. Rogers, and A. H. Thompson. 1953. Blossom blast of pears: an incipient boron deficiency. Proc. Amer. Soc. for Hort. Sci. 62:119-122. Biggar, J. W. and M. Fireman. 1960. Boron absorption and release by soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 24:115—117. Boawn, Louis C. 1974. Residual availability of fertilizer zinc. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 38:800-803. Boawn, Louis C., Frank G. Viets, Jr., C. L. Crawford, and J. L. Nelson. 1960. Effect of N-carrier, nitrogen rate, zinc rate, and soil pH on zinc uptake by sorgum potatoes, and sugar beets. Soil Sci. 90:329-332. Bramlange, W. J. and A. H. Thompson. 1962. The effects of early season sprays of boron on fruit set, color, finish, and storage life of apples. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 80:64-72. Brown, A. L., B. A. Krantz, and P. E. Martin. 1964. The residual effect of zinc applied to soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 28:236-238. Burrell, A. B. 1958. Boron in apple leaves and fruits as influenced by sodium pentaborate sprays. Proc. Amer. Proc. Soc. for Hort. Sci. 71:20-25. Burrell, A. B., Damon Boynton, and A. D. Crowe. 1956. Boron content of apple in relation to deficiency symptom and to methods and timing of treatments. Amer. Soc. for Hort. Sci. 67:37-46. Callan, Northwest, M. M. Thompson, M. H. Chaplin, R. L. Stebbins, M. N. Westwood. 1978. Fruit set of ‘Italian' Prune following fall foliar and spring boron sprays. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 95:652-656. Childers, Norman F. 1954. Modern Fruit Sci.. Hort Publications. Rutgers University, N.J. Diamond, Ray. B. May 1972. Micronutrient sources and agronomic responses. Agrichem Age. 57 l3. 14. 15. l6. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 58 Epstein, E. and P. R. Stout. 1951. The microelement cations: Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu; their uptake by plants from the absorbed state. Soil Sci. 72:47-65. Gall, O. E. 1936. Zinc sulfate studies in the soil. Citrus Industry. 17:20-21. Heeney, H. B., G. M. Ward, and W. M. Rutherford. 1964. Zinc deficiency in Eastern Ontario orchards. Can. J. Plant Sci. 44:195-200. Hobbs, J. A. and B. R. Bertramson. 1949. Boron uptake by plants as influenced by soil moisture. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proceeding. 14:257-261. Jackson, T. L. D. T. Westermann, and D. P. Moore. 1966. The effect of chloride and lime on the Mn uptake by bush beans and sweet corn. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 30:70-73. Johnson, Folke, D. F. Allmendinger, V. L. Miller, and D. Polley. 1955. Fall application of boron sprays as a control for blossom blast and twig dieback of pears. Phytopathology. 45:110-114. Kenworthy, A. L. 1950. Nutrient composition of leaves from fruit trees. Proc. Amer. Soc. for Hort. Sci. 55:41-46. Kenworthy, A. L. and Lloyd Martin. 1966. Mineral contents of fruit plants, pp. 813-814. In: Norman F. Childes (ed.). Temperate pg Tropical Fruit Nutrition. Somerset Press, Inc., Somerville, N.J. MacGregor, J. M., A. Sajjapongse, and O. M. Gunderson. 1974. Availability of fertilizer zinc to corn in a calcareous mineral soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 38:611-616. Malstromm, Howard L., Lloyd B. Fern, and Tim R. Riley. Methods of zinc fertilization. (Unpublished). McIlrath, Wayne J. 1965. Mobility of boron in several dicotyledonous species. Botan. Gaz. 126 (1):27-30. Narftel, James A. 1937. The influence of excessive liming on boron deficiency in soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 2:383-384. Neilsen, G. H. and E. J. Hogue. 1983. Foliar application of chelated and mineral zinc sulphate to Zn deficiency 'mac' seedlings. Hort. Sci. 18 (6):915-917. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 59 Neilson, B. V. and G. W. Eaton. 1983. Effects of boron nutrition upon strawberry yield components. Hort. Sci. 18 (6):932-934. Odland, T. E. and F. K. Crandall. 1932. The effect of the lack of available Mn in the soil on crop yield. J. Amer. Soc. of Agron. 24:622-626. Olson, R. V. and K. C. Berger. 1946. Boron fixation as influenced by pH, o.m., and other factors. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 11:216-220. Peech, Micheal. 1941. Availability of ions in light sandy soils as affected by soil Rx. Soil Sci. 51:473-486. ' Truog, E. 1946. Soil Rx influence on availability of plant nutrients. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 10:305-306. Walker, John M. and Stanley A. Barber. 1960. The availability of chelated Mn to millet and its equilibria with other forms of Mn in the soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 24:485-488. Wallace, A., C. P. North, R. T. Mueller, and N. Hemaidan. 1953. Chelating agents as a means of supplying micros to woody plants in alkaline and calcareous soils. Amer. Soc. for. Hort. Sci. 62:116-118. Wear, John I. 1956. Effect of soil pH and calcium on uptake of Zn by plants. Soil Sci. 81:311-315. Wear, John I. and R. M. Patterson. 1962. Effect of soil pH and texture on the availability of water soluble boron in the soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Proc. Amer. 26:344-355. Weber, Hermann L. May 7-9, 1969. Soil Problems in land reforming for air drainage. Proc of air drainage and land forming workshop for frost control on fruit sites. Pp. 41. Westwood, M. N. 1978. Temperate Zone Pomology. W. H. Freeman and Co., 8. F., pp. 20-40. Yogaratnam, N. and D. W. P. Greenham. 1982. The application of foliar sprays containing nitrogen, zinc, and boron to apple trees. I. Effects on fruit set and cropping. J. Hort. Sci. 57:151-158. APPENDIX A 1982 GROWER SURVEY Virtually no work has been done evaluating tree fruits planted on reshaped land. For this reason, and with support of the Northwest Michigan cherry industry, a research project was initiated in 1982. A logical first phase was to send out a grower survey to estimate the number of acres of cherries planted on reshaped land, grower care, maintenance of the trees, and problems growers were experiencing. Feedback might give a clue to determining the causes of such problems. This survey was mailed out to over 500 cherry growers in Northwest Michigan (Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties). Questions were related to tree age, rootstock, fertilizer practices and tree vigor. Response to the mail survey was good, with 81 sour cherry blocks being represented. A total of 987 acres were accounted for. Eighty percent of the trees were of non-bearing age (0 - 5 years). This was of little surprise, with the practice of reshaping becoming so popular over the past decade. Soil texture was described as sandy loam or sandy on over 80% of the acreage. Such soils would have low water-holding capacity and C.E.C., according to soil survey maps. Planting methods included 62% by auger, 36% by tree planter, and 2% by hand. Planting time is an excellent 61 opportunity to break up hardpans and compacted layers. Growers commonly reported such layers caused by the heavy machinery used during the reshaping process. Mahaleb and Mazzard rootstocks are the two basic choices for cherry. Mazzard is a shallow system that does well on wetter soils. On the other hand, Mahaleb is a deeper root system requiring well-drained soil. Nearly 63% of the trees were planted on Mahaleb rootstock, while only 9% were grafted on Mazzard. Approximately 80% of the blocks represented had not received an application of lime. This was consistent with the finding that, according to soil test results, most sites were alkaline (pH greater than 7.0). The majority of growers were on a balanced N-P-K fertilizer program. Over 35% were applying only N. Only 5% were utilizing micronutrients of any kind, even with the high soil pH resulting in poor micro availability. Growers were finally asked to comment on tree vigor and abnormal symptoms seen in the field. A number of comments listed below were frequently reported: I_I O Inferior growth compared to nearby blocks of similar age that had not been reshaped. Slow growth/poor vigor Lack of tree uniformity (size) Light colored foliage Short internode length Small and deformed leaves Gumming and formation of cankers Rosetting Death of limbs toooqmmnww 62 SURVEY Red Tart Cherries Grower Phone # Address Block # County 1. Number of acres in block: 2. Age of trees: (0-5) (6-10) (ll-15) (21-over) 3. Type of soil: sandy loamy clay-loam 4. Trees were planted with: auger tree planter other 5. Type of rootstock: Mahaleb Mazzard Unknown 6. Irrigation: trickle overhead none 7. Have you applied lime during the past 5 years? yes no 8. Did you fumigate the soil before planting? yes no 9. Have you applied a nematicide, (i.e., Nemacur, Vydate, Furadan)? yes no 10. What type of fertilizer program? type average amt./yr. 11. What weed control program do you follow? chemical (please name) mulch till other 12. Which of the following tests have you used during the past five years? soil nematodes leaf analysis 13. Did problems/deficiencies show up on these tests? __ yes no 14. Who performed reshaping? 15. Finally, please comment on the overall performance of 1982 the block since being planted. 63 S UMMARY There are 800 hectars of cherries planted on reshaped orchard sites in Northwestern Michigan. Poor tree vigor has been reported by growers and researchers over the past several decades. Reshaped orchard sites are characterized by limited topsoil over sandy subsoil. Soil is of low cation exchange capacity and organic matter while being of alkaline pH. Corn and sour cherry leaf tissue samples from reshaped sites were significantly lower in B, Mg, Zn, and Mn, than samples from non-reshaped sites. Although acidifying soil pH on reshaped land appears to significantly increase corn plant uptake of Zn, Mn, and B, additional research needs to be undertaken. Application of ammonium sulfate, sulfuric acid, and other acidifying fertilizers should be evaluated on reshaped orchard sites. Ground applied borax was an excellent source of boron for cherry trees. Foliar sprays of chelated zinc and solubor were highly successful at increasing cherry leaf tissue levels of B and Zn, respectively. Borax and solubor demonstrated good residual activity over a two year period. 31293 03056 6131 "I " Ill ll" III. "a “I N m l H H H