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144
661
THS

A STUQY OF THE RESPONSE OF
PEACH TREES T0 POTASSNM
FERNLEZAWON

“(Basis for {’he Degree cf M. 5.
MECHEGAN STATE COLLEGE
'W§E§éam Hugh Dame!

€943

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3 1293 01093 9091 ,3 1

This is to certify that the

thesis entitled

"A Study of the Response
of Fruit. Trees to Potash
Fertilization”

presented by

[111151111 H. Daniel

has been accepted towards fulfillment
of the requirements for

LS. degree in” Soil Science

 

 

A STUDY OF THE RESPONSE OF PEACE TREES
TO POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION

BY
WILLIAM HUGH QAHIEL

A THESIS
Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Michigan
State College of Agriculture and Applied Science
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE

Department of Soil Science
1948

lHt..‘alS

Acknowledgement

The writer is grateful to Dr. C.E. Millar for his
assistance in planning the work and to Dr. L.M. Turk
for his guidance and helpful criticism. Sincere app-
reciation is extended to Mr. H.L. Garrard, Field Agron-
omist, American Potash Institute for his assistance and
to Dr. E.J. Benne of the Department of Agricultural
Chemistry of the Experiment Station for the use of the

leaf analysis data.

1316962

Io
II.
III.

IV.

V.
VI.
VII.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION............................. 1
REVIEW OF LITERATURE..................... 3
EXPERIMENTAL METHODS..................... 6
Tissue Tests............................. 6
Deficiency Symptoms......................10
Ash Analysis.............................13
Yield and Growth Measurements............13
EXPERIMENTAL PLOTS.......................14
Eric Kerlikowski Farm....................l4
Plot History and Lay Out..............14
Ash Analysis..........................15
Discussion............................18
William Fooy Farm........................24
Plot Layout and Symptoms..............24
Results and Discussion................27
V.M. Dilley Farm.........................28
Plot Treatments.......................28
Results of Leaf Testing...............29
Growth Measurements...................31
Storage Tests.........................S4
Yield Measurements....................36
SUMMARY..................................38
BIBLIOGRAPHY.............................4O
APPENDIX.................................4S

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest soil fertility problems in orchards
today is that of finding methods of applying to each orchard,
or a particular part of the orchard, the latest information
relative to plant nutrition. Due to the variable soil condit-
ions this problem often can be condensed to the questionv"How
can we best determine the present nutrient status or nutrient
needs of any single peach tree?"

Soil type alone is not a safe basis for making lime or
fertilizer recommendations, because past treatments or crOp-
ping practices may have modified the present soil fertility
status to such an extent as to overshadow differences in soil
type characteristics. Therefore, it seems logical and neces-
sary to use all means available to diagnose nutrient needs
of any tree or group of trees which appear abnormal either
in terms of yield or fruit quality.

In recent years some Michigan peach orchards have been
found where leaf symptoms indicated potassium deficiencies,
and following potash applications, subsequent leaves were a
normal green color and the yields were improved. The question
arose as to how prevalent is this need for potash in Michigan
orchards. How many peach orchards are in the symptom stage of
potash deficiency, and how many have border-line cases where
no symptoms are recognized but some potash is needed? What
are the conditions reSponsible for this apparent increase in

potash needs?

The research results presented herewith deal with
several methods of measuring chemical conditions in plants
and soils under Michigan conditions as follows:

1. Fertilizer applications to peach orchards where the
effects on growth and yield could be observed. Such trees
also served for chemical studies.

2. A study of the foliage symptoms shown by trees under
different soil conditions and treatments.

3. The application of soil tests on orchard soils in
determining fertilizer needs.

4. The use of 'foliar analysis" for diagnosing the nutrient
status of fruit trees.

5. A comparison of tissue ”quickotests" with other
diagnostic procedures indicated above.

During the seasons of 1947 and 1948 periodic leaf
samplings were made of several experimental orchards, for
various chemical tests. The studies were made largely on
material collected from the following three orchards:

(1) Eric Kerlikowski, near Coloma, Michigan,

(2) William Fooy, near Bangor, Michigan, and

(3) V.M. Dilley, near Lacota, Michigan.

This paper attempts to assemble and compare the results
of the different testing procedures and observations with the
hepe of increasing their value for diagnostic purposes.

In this study, emphasis is directed toward the questions:
”What is adequate potassium in the leaf to produce normal

foliage and maximum yields of high quality fruit; and do leaf

3

symptoms give sufficient warning of declining or unbalanced
nutrient supplies?” In attempting to answer these questions
a comparison was made of leaf symptoms with other known
measures of potassium.adequacy, such as ash analysis of leav-

es,tissue tests, and yield and growth measurements.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

To date most of the research on diagnostic methods
for determining nutrient deficiencies of fruit trees has been
confined to ash analysis of dried leaves and petioles, often
referred to as ”leaf analysis” or'foliar diagnosis”. For
the most part I'leaf analysis” results have been interpreted
in relation to the appearance of certain leaf symptoms ass-
ociated with adequate or deficient supplies of nutrients.
According to the literature there is considerable agreement
on the potash requirements of peaches.

van Slyke (26,27) found peach crops to be larger con-
sumers of plant food than apples on an acre basis. Peaches
use about one-third more N, P, and K; twice as much calcium,
and considerably more magnesium than do apples.

By ash analysis methods Lilleland and Brown (16)
found that individual trees may show a distinctly higher
potassium level in one season and a consistently lower pot-
assium level the following season. Their‘results indicate
the importance of other factors and preclude the establish-

ment of one critical level for indicating potassium.deficiency

in bearing trees. In a survey of thm potassium content of
peach leaves from 150 orchards Lilleland and Brown (17) used
ten basal leaves of the current season's growth from ten trees
as a composite sample. They found that the potassium content
was about the same in July and August but was lower in both
the early and late season tissue (leaves). Samples from

trees which bore heavy creps showed reduced potassium as did
trees suffering from dry weather. Leaf samples from the 130
orchards averaged 2 per cent potassium with a range of from
0.6 to 3.4 per cent.

Leaves containing less than 1 per cent potassium, on
a dry weight basis, are likely to show potassium deficiency
according to Cullinan and Waugh (7). Leaves with a potassium
content of from 1 to 1.25 per cent have not shown deficienc-
ies but are likely to benefit from potassium application.
When leaves have 2 per cent or more potassium, no beneficial
response to potassium additions is to be expected.

The use of chemical tests on green leaves for deter-
mining the status of certain nutrient elements in plant sap
has been increasing rapidly. Thornton, et al (25) adapted
methods, already used as quick tests for phosphates and potash
in soils, to indicate the relative levels of these nutrients
in plant sap. These tests were calibrated especially for
corn and have been adapted to other crops.

Cook (4), using the Simplex testing kit, has deve10p.

ed plant sap testing procedures which are rapid and can be

5

used both in the field and laboratory for diagnosing nutrient
deficiences. Generally connective tissue, such as petioles,
is extracted with a weak acetic acid solution. The procedure
allows the tissue to remain in the chemicals and the results
are read colorimetrically. .

Boynton and Peach (2) have deve10ped a semiqualitive
colorimetric procedure for determining magnesium and pot-
assium in dried apple leaves (without ashing). Schrader (24)
of Maryland has used the flame photometer to analyse sap ex-
tract-prepared by use of the Warring blender. Potassium.and
sodium.are readily determined by this method.

For tissue testing purposes McCollan (18) suggests
that if we are familiar with the quantities of elements found
in good plants and in deficient plants we can interpret many
crOp troubles by making chemical analyses. He suggests using
the upper stems, petioles or leaf blade depending on the
plant to be tested, because these are such vital parts in the
plant's nutritional functions. Scarseth (23) prOposes the
use of tests for unassimilated ions in translocation tissue
and assumes tests will establish the limiting factor in
growth and will give indications before the deficiency symp.
toms appear.

The amount of potassium.required depends on the amount
of nitrogen used according to Davis and Hill (12). Cullinan,
et al (5,8) and Dunbar and Anthony (13) point out that high

nitrOgen and low potassium gave the most severe potassium

deficiency symptoms while low nitrogen and low potassium
gave little potassium deficiency. Since sandy soils are
most generally used for growing peaches in Michigan,,due
in part to a more favorable climatic location (15, 28),
nitrogen is needed in carefully controlled quantities.
Complete fertilizers for orchards have been recommended by
Rawl (21), Boynton (1), Savage (22), Musser (l9), and
Davidson and Blake (9).

EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

Tissue Tests

Garrard (14) working with Thornton (25) and others of
Purdue University over the past several years, has developed
a modification of the regular Purdue test for potassium.which
seems to work satiSfactorily on peach leaves. The use of
this modified test for potassium in green tissues has been
the basis for comparing the potassium nutrient status in
peach leaves in several orchards in the present study. The
results obtained from the tissue tests have been compared to
leaf symptoms and ash analysis where available.

A comparison of the regular Purdue potash tissue test
procedure (25) and the modified procedure for use on peach

leaves is given in the accompanying tabulation.

a.

b.

0.

Regular Purdue Potash Tissue Test

One-half teaspoonful of finely cut leaves in vial; add

10 cc. Potash No. 1 solution.

Shake 1 minute; add

5 cc. Potash No. 3 solution by running down side of tube
to get layer of alcohol on tap.

Mix in alcohol carefully with a slow rotary motion;

Let stand 3 minutes.

Read amount of precipitate according to Potash chart.

Modified Potash Tissue Test

 

One teaspoonful (1.4 grams) of finely chOpped leaves; add

One-eighth teaspoonful of Potash-free activated charcoal,

Add lOcc. of 15 per cent NaNO2 (adjusted to pH 5.0 with
acetic acid)

Shake one minute, filter through fast filter paper (total
extraction time is three to four minutes)

To 2% cc. of filtrate add

5 CC. Of Purdue K N00 1;

Mix to uniformity, then add

2% cc. of K No. 3 (95% ethyl alcohol), added slowly down
side of vial to form layer on tap.

Let stand one minute to start precipitation.

Mix slowly by rotary motion.

Read results after three minutes.

Discussion and Results of Tissue Tests

The modified Purdue test was studied by varying the:

(a) size of sample

(b amount of extract used

(c amount of K No. 1 solution or precipitating solution
(d amount of K No. 3 solution

In Table I are shown some comparisons of variations

in readings on fresh green leaves of two trees, tree 4,

high in potassium, and tree ll, low in potassium, both from

row 11 in the Kerlikowski plots.

From the results presented in Table I it is evident

that considerable deviation from the regular Purdue procedure

can be made without affecting appreciably relative differences

in the test results. However, the regular Purdue procedure
seems to be the most desirable for the size equipment and
convenience of manipulation.

Table I. Influence of variations in procedure on tissue
test results*5 expressed as ppm in extract.

 

 

 

 

 

grams of leaf .7 1.05 1.4** 2.1

free 4 254‘ 4327* 418 458

tree 11 55 112 222 520

cc. of extract .5 1.5' 2 2.5** 3 4

tree 4 92 250 292 527“"555"1ssr““—"
tree 11 17 84 120 128 156 152

cc. of x No. 1 1.2 2.5 4 5** 5 7

fire. 4 448* 418 3E2""527“‘“326“‘257“"“'
tree 11 222 222 200 180 148 128

cc. of alcohol 1 1.5 2.0 2.5** 5 4

tree 4' 313“"‘365""‘374 418 Its “158

tree 11 .-- 208 176 222 272 409

 

* Regular amount used except in component being tested.
** Amount used in regular test.

Two modifications have been made in the test procedure
as originally recommended. Less clearing agent (such as
Darco G 60) can be used on peach leaves; only one-eighth
teaspoon per test seems adequate. In order to get a wider
range of reading on the amount of precipitate in the potassium
tests a Cenco photometer, with a red filter, was used. First
comparisons were made with standard solutions of such strength
that gave readings as ppm, corresponding to the color chart
as given in Purdue circular #204 (25). Second, the photo-
meter readings compared to the published Purdue chart as

follows:

 

10

Purdue color very very

chart reading high high medium low low
Photometer

reading ' 0-18 19-28 29-40 40-60 60-100
PPM in standard

solution 512-350 349-278 277-212 211-132 132-0

The strength of standards, Purdue chart readings, and
photometer readings are shown in Figure 1. It was found
that for laboratory purposes, the photometer readings per-
mitted smaller variations to be recorded, even within any
one range, such as 'high”,"medium”,'low” as per the regular
chart.

For pratical diagnostic purposes in the field and for
making fertiliser recommendations, the regular chart will
differentiate closely enough between the high and low ranges
of potash in the leaves.

In making the test the temperature should remain be-
low 29°C; above this temperature precipitation is erratic.
A water bath, maintained at about 18°C, was used in these
studies. The method of mixing the alcohol and other reagents
is important. It was found satisfactory to use a short period
of swirling to initiate precipitation, and after one minute,
a swirling motion until completely mixed.

Deficiency Symptoms
Abnormal symptoms of tree leaves are frequently used
as an aid in diagnosing nutrient deficiencies. The symptoms
of potash deficiencies on peach leaves have been described
and illustrated in several publications (7, 9, 10, l3, 14, 15,
17, 19).

ll

 

Plate 1. Peach twigs showing varying degrees of potassium
deficiency symptoms. See page 12 for descriptions.

12
In this study the leaves of peach trees were classed
into five groups as to their degree of apparent potash
deficiency.

1. Very severe--leaves rolled upward, young leaves were curl-

 

ed laterally, red areas merged and died giving rough margins.
_ Some leaves turned yellowish. Trees showed a reduction in
size and less fruit buds were set. Eighteen leaves weighed
approximately five grams.

2. Severe-~reduced growth, few laterals, all but new leaves
showed curling, reddish spots and color along the margins.

In late season the margins have dead areas. Leaves were thin-
ner more spongy, and less turgid than normal leaves. Fifteen
leaves weighed approximately five grams.

3. Moderate-~middle leaves on higher twigs on south side of
tree show bean pod effect created by curling upward and
crinkling along midrib. Young leaves in late season were
very small, V-shaped, red spots are small, light red or lack.
ing. Twigs are smaller in diameter and reddish. Thirteen
leaves weigh approximately five grams.

4. Slight--slightly smaller leaves, lighter color, may not
show any curling, no color spots develOp, twigs seem more
reddish and smaller than normal tree leaves. The condition
of the tree is best observed at some distance from the tree.
5. Normal-~thick twigs, large dark leaves, and plenty of
terminal and lateral growth. Nine mature leaves weigh app-

roximately five grams.

13
Ash Analysis

Several people have cooperated in the study of collect-
ing the related data from the several orchards. Leaf samples
were collected by Dr. T.A. Merrill, Department of Horticulture,
Michigan State College for 1945 and 1946 from the E. Kerlik-
owski plots. In 1947 and 1948 the writer continued this
sampling so that to date a three year trend in ash content of
peach leaves has been secured. Under the direction of Dr.
E.J. Benne, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Michigan
State College, these leaf samples were analyzed for nitrogen,
phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium and manganese.
Procedures used in these determinations included the chloro-

platinate method of precipitating potassium (20).

Yield and Growth Measurements

Yields of peaches for three years, 1946-1948, were
taken on the Dilley orchard by the owner, Mr. V.M. Dilley
of Lacota, Michigan. Each row was harvested separately,
weighed and the peaches graded as to size. The trees, if.
overloaded, were thinned as in any commercial orchard. Grow-
th measurements were made in 1945 and 1946 by Mr. H.L. Garrard,
Field Agronomist, American Potash Institute, Homewood, Ill-
inois and Mr. Charles Mann, Soil Conservationist, Fennville,
Michigan. Fifty typical terminal shoots on each plot of
five trees were checked for number of buds, diameter and

length of terminals, and number of laterals on each terminal.

14
EXPERIMENTAL PLOTS

Eric Kerlikowski Farm

A series of plots of Red Haven peaches on the Eric
Kerlikowski farm, seven miles northeast of Coloma, Michigan,
consisting of eight rows of ten trees each, were established
by Mr. J.A. Porter, Department of Soil Science and Mr. T.A.
Merrill, Department of Horticulture, Michigan State College
in 1944. The layout of the plots is shown in Table II. The
sandy loam soil of l per cent sIOpe has a pH of 5.2 to 7.2
depending on the soil treatment. Alfalfa preceded the peaches
and occupied the area for several years. In 1944 the two
year old trees showed severe to moderate potassium deficiency
symptoms.

Table II. Layout of the Kerlikowski Plots and the relative
degrees of potassium deficiency of the individual trees

 

 

1n 1947 e __
Row 7*’ Row 9* Row 11 Row 13
Tree and Lime No lime No lime Lime
treatment Spaded surface spaded surface
3 NPR 5 5 5 5
4 NPK 5 5 5 5
5 HP 3 - 3 4
6 NP 4 4 4 4
7 N. 4 4 4 4
8 N 4 3 5 5
9 3.x - 5 5 5
10 N-K 5 - 5 5
11 H 3 3 3
12 3 3 3 3

 

N
5:425, IJUI'I.25#‘TfiHZYEEo4 per tree in April of 1645, 46, 47.
P--4# 0-20-0 per tree on October 4, 1944
K--4# 0-0-60 per tree on October 4, 1944
Symptoms--1, very severe32, severe; 3, moderate; 4, slight;
5, normal.‘

15

For sampling purposes only trees in every other row,
(7,9,11,13) were used. Leaves of individual trees in these
plots were taken for ash analysis during the past four years
(1945 to 1948 inclusive). Starting in 1947 individual trse
leaf samples were collected at monthly intervals for testing
for potassium by the modified Purdue test. (See Table XII,
Appendix) Soil samples from the surface six-inch layer under
each tree were tested for pH, available phosphorus, and avail-
able potash by Miss Eldora Shine of the Michigan State College
soil testing laboratory, using the Simplex soil testing pro-
cedure.

Leaf Analysis

Ash analysis is most often used in foliar analysis due
to its accuracy even though it is the most time consuming.

Table III shows a summary of three years analysis of
the individual tree data that is included in the Appendix,
Table XIV.

Nitrogen application has been uniform to all the trees.
No large variation occured in the nitrogen content of the
leaves as a result of either phosphorus or potassium fertilizer
treatment. Although the content of phosphorus appears low
there has been no measurable effect on the growth of the tree
by the phosphorus application.

Manganese was low in trees seven and eight of most rows.
The pH of the soil under these trees was near neutral, the

highest of the area. Several trees showed slight manganese

 

17
deficiency symptoms as indicated by a light green mottling
between the veins of the leaves. In all instances of manga.
nese deficiency the manganese content of the ash was below

.006 per cent.

 

 

Table III. Summary of ash analysis of peach leaves from
the Kerlikowski plots.*
Per cent of N ,P K Ca Mg_ Mn
1945 Analysis
NPK 4.08 .250 3.41 .959 .301 .0066
NP- 4.23 .269 .61 1.28 .482 .0070
Check 3.74 .289 .60 , 1.30 .634 .0044
N-K 3e97 e219 3.97 ‘e916 e301 e0055
N-- 4.17 .257 .55 1.26 .667 .0060
1946 Analysis
NPK 4.16 .273 3.36 .99 .324 .0110
NP- 4.39 .300 .83 1.09 .477 .0105
Check 4.13 .304 .76 1.207 .561 .0039
N-K 4.29 .276 2.36 .942 .385 .0071
N-- 4.32 .285 .67 1.12 .536 .0075
1947 Analysis
NPK 4.06 .248 2.85 1.48 .418 .0128
NP- 4.28 .272 .84 1.36 .544 .0112
ChOCk' 4e03 e275 .88 less e629 e006?
N-K 4.14 .255 2.52 1.39 .459 .0107
N-- 4.24 .260 .76 1.37 .535 .0086

 

4 Average percentages f3} 8 trees, regardless 6f:whether
fertilizers were applied on limed or unlimed soil.

It was observed that large applications of potassium
suppressed the intake of magnesium and calcium in 1945 and
1946, whereas in 1947 the calcium intake was not suppressed
by the potassium additions. No potassium.fertilizer had
been applied since 1944 so that a potassium equilibrium may
have been reached.

The trend of the potassium levels for the three years
is shown in Figure II. or particular interest is the gradual

increase in the content of potassium in the leaves of the

18
uuntreated potassium"trees. For example the check row increas-
ed from .60 per cent in 1945 to .76 per cent in 1946, and to
.88 per cent in 1947. In 1945 the leaves of the trees treat-
ed with potassium had a much higher content of potassium than
the untreated trees. The leaves of the NPK treated trees
decreased from 3.41 per cent potassium in 1945 to 3.36 per

cent in 1946, and 2.85 per cent in 1947.

Discussion

The Merlikowski orchard provided different levels of
potassium fertilization from which leaf samples could be
taken for analysis. The summary in Table IV shows a compari-
son of green tissue test, deficiency symptoms, soil tests,
and ash analysis as a measure of differences in the potassium
content of the leaves from this orchard for 1947.

Green tissue quick tests were run on leaves of indi-
vidual trees at monthly intervals over a period of six months
in order to determine the seasonal trend in the potassium
content of the leaves. In 1947 the trees high in potassium
showed little variation throughout the season. Leaves from
‘ trees of the medium potassium level showed a decline late in
the season and leaves from trees low in potassium decreased
until a very low potassium content was reached by midsummer.
In late season no further drOp was noticed in this low group.

The graph in Figure III gives a comparison of green
tissue tests with ash analysis. Closeagreement was found in

the high potassium leaves whereas considerable variation

.mm><mn mudmm mo Bszzoo EDHmmdaom Mme 025:5sz
2H mHmHHf: mad 924 memme memHB zmmkamm mHmmZOHHam mma .n ogwam

19

 

20
occured in the results of the two methods in the low-potassium
leaves.

Results of the available potassium tests on the surface
soil under the trees showed that an increase in availability
was brought about by the application of potassium fertilizer.
The available potassium in the soil which had not received
potash.fertilizer varied from 28 to 80 pounds per acre. How
ever, because of the inadequate sampling of the root zone
of fruit trees soil testing in orchards has many limitations.

Potash deficiency symptoms in this orchard have de-
creased in severity as the trees have increased in size and
age. In 1947 several trees showed moderate to slight defic-
iency symptoms as indicated in Table IV. The increase in the
potassium content of the leaves with advancing age of the
trees was accompanied by less deficiency symptoms and higher
tissue test results. These results indicate that as the tree
roots spread they may enter the fertilized area under treated
trees or into other areas of higher available potassium.
Davidson (11) points out that a small area of roots in pot-
assium treated soil may supply the entire tree with sufficient
potassium. Another possibility is that the trees were phanted
in a soil very low in available potassium due to the removal
by the preceding alfalfa crOps and weathering may be gradual-
ly replenishing the available supply.

A few tests were made to determine the possibility of
using parts of the plant other than the middle leaves of the

terminal shoots for diagnostic purposes. Mature leaves from

21

Table IV. A comparison of green tissue tests,.deficiency
symptoms, soil tests, and ash analysis in diagnosing
potassium deficiencies in peach trees on the Kerlikowski
plotsgggr 1947.

 

 

Row, Tree, ppm in Deficiency Available Per cent
and Tissue Symptom K20 in (Qihby Ash
Tpeatment Extract, Rating 1) Sur. Soil, alysis
7 3 NPK 358’ 5 280 2.95
4 320 5 188 3.03
5, NP- 76 3 80 .81
7. N ‘120 4 64 1.09
8 100 4 40 0.62
10 N-K 320 5 328 2.58
11 128 3 108 .92
12 N-- 67 3 40 .95
9 3 NPK 358 5 216 2.93
4 366 5 188 2.63
5 NP- 128 1* 62 .47
6 196 4 56 .84
7 N-- 204 4 72 1-12
8 172 3 40 - --
9 N-K 358 5 184 - --
12 108 3 45 .76
11 3 NPK 320 5 131 2.81
4 306 5 128 2.93
5 NP- 164 3 37 .79
6 70 4 28 .76
7 N-- 108 4 37 .67
8 156 5 34 1.04
9 N-K 278 5 252 2.49
10 320 5 260 2.73
11 N" 88 3 40 e 79
12 80 3 40 .72
13 3 NPK 320 5 260 2.66
4 335 5 180 ~-
5 NP- 80 4 40 .79
6 140 4 37 .93
7 N-- 92 4 40 --
8 124 5 28 .77
9 N-K 306 5 264 2.28
10 320 5 284 2.54
11 N-- 148 3 39 .56
12 136 3 49 .56

 

$1). 1,very severe; 2,severe; 3,m0derate; 4,slight; 5,n0rmal
2). Pounds per acre
* Injured

22
about the middle of the terminal shoots were used in.all the
regular testing procedures. In order to compare test results
on leaves of different ages, leaves were selected from the
tip, from the middle, and from the base of the terminal ShOOtS”
of a tree showing severe potassium deficiencies. Parts per
million in the tissue extract of the young leaves averaged
64, of the middle leaves 27, and of the older leaves 76; all
of which are in the very low range. The use of middle leaves
of the terminal shoots is suggested by Cullinan (6) and
McCollan(18).

Dried ground leaves were tested by the modified Purdue
quick test method using the regular procedure and testing
solutions. However, instead’of 1.4 grams of green tissue,

.14 grams of dried tissue was used in 10 ml. of extracting
solution. The readings, using this amount of dried material,
were about the same as those obtained by green tissue tests.
For laboratory procedure the use of dried tissue eliminates
the need for keeping the testing material in a fresh state.

Tests were made on the petioles of peach leaves, and
on both green and ripe fruit.’ Two grams of finely chopped
fruit gave oolorimeter readings comparable to those found by
the green leaf tissue. The use of fruit for testing purposes
is limited because of varying degrees of ripeness, differences
in the set of fruit and size of fruit, and differences in the

tree size.

25

 

em )’~ '1' ‘7." 'm.
W-*z* iced“ M '

(W. s'... .. s ' .‘oo’fi . ‘.

"

Plate 2. A young peach tree in the Fooy orchard near Bangor,
Michigan showing severe potassium deficiency symptoms.
(Notice the rolled leaves and small terminal twigs.)

24
William.Fooy Farm
In 1947 a young peach orchard on the William Fooy
farm, four miles southeast of Bangor, Michigan was found to
show severe potassium deficiency symptoms by Oscar Dowd of the
Soil Conservation Service. The soil is an Ottawa sand with a
slope of 4 per cent. Previous to setting out the orchard, the
land had been in alfalfa for a long period of time with little
or no fertilizer applied. Three varieties of peaches, Red
Table V. Plot layout and deficiency symptomsit of individual

trees in the Fooy_orchard at the start of the experiment.
*_Date and‘amount

 

 

Row and of potash Peach Varieties

treatment application ~_ ge‘_Haven Hale Haven Fertile Hale
7"N5 1 2 ‘7?“7?"EF“EI 4. 4 w"1T“
8 N 2 2 2 2 5 54 4 4 l

9 N-K 1.5# 9/18/47 2 4 5 l 4 5 4 4 1
10 N-K 2.5# 9/18/47 1 2 1 2 5 5 4 4 1
11 NP 1 1 5 5 4 4 5 4 1
12 NP :2 2 2 2 4 5 4 4 1
15 NPK 1.5# 4/3/48 2 2 5 2 4 4 4 5 2
14 NPK 2.5# 4/3/48 2 1 5 l 5 5 5 5 2
15 NPK 2.5# 9/18/47' 1 2 2 5 5 5 4 5 1
15 NPK 2.5# 8/1/47 2 5 2 2 5 4 4 4 l
17 N 2 5 2 1 4 4 4 5 1
18 N 2 2 5 1 5 5 4 5 1
19 N-K 1. 9 18 47 5 5 2 2 5 4 5 4 1

 

-- - Apr 3, 4
P--6.4# 0-20-0 September 18, 1947
K-cApplied as 0-0-60; varied in date and rate as indicated.

s The figure 1 represents the most severe symptoms of potassium
deficiency.

25
Haven, Hale Haven and Fertile Hale are included in the

orchard. An outline of the orchard showing the plot arrange-
mentand the degree of potassium deficiency exhibited by each
tree at the beginning of the experiment in August 1947 is
given in Table V. Leaf samples were taken from Red Haven
trees representing different degrees of potash starvation as
indicated by deficiency symptoms, late in the season of 1947.
Analyses were run on these samples to determine the potassium
levels and to follow the response to fall applied fertilizer.
Row sixteen received 2.5 lbs. K20, as KCl, per tree spaded in
on August 18. On September 1, the trees showed no response
to the fertilizer, but by October 2, the leaves showed a def-
inite response as indicated by the marked change from 58 to
278 ppm of potassium in the tissue extract. As pointed out by
Chandler (3) about six weeks is required after the application
of potassium for it to show up in the leaves of peach trees.
Young leaves of the same trees showed a similar increase as
is indicated in Table VI.

Table 71. Parts per million of potassium in peach leaves

representing different degrees of potash starvation,
taken from the Fogy_pr9hard ipgl947.

 

Sample Description Aug.1 Sept.l 0ct.2

‘ 1' Very severe '64 70 212*
2 Severe -- 73 172*
3 Moderate -- 61 148
4 Slight 84 88 164
5 R.15 (fert.) -- 92 100
6 R.16 )unfert.) -- 58 278
7 R.15 young leaves -- -- 116
8 R.16 ygpng_leaves -- -- 292

 

*Samples deteriorated in storage so that more K was released
during extraction.

26
In 1948 tissue test results of leaf samples for pot-

assium were compared by treatment and by variety to determine
the effect of both spring and fall application of potassium.
Although the Red Haven trees showed more severe potash def-
iciency symptoms than did the Hale Havens, no significant
differences were found in the tissue test results. The higher
potassium content, as shown by more ppm of potassium in tissue
extract, in July compared to August, indicates that the 'no-
potassium“ trees were approaching a critically low level by
August 1. The results are presented in Table VII. Deficiency
symptoms in 1947 were classed as severe with a rating of ”2'
while those of the same trees in 1948, where treated with pot-
ash, were greatly improved. In rows eleven, twelve, and seven-
teen the deficiency symptoms were more severe in 1948 due to
unbalanced fertilizer creating a larger demand for potassium.

Table VII. A summary of the green tissue test results
of the Fooy plots in 1948. _‘
Potassium (ppm) Potassium Deficiency

 

Row and Treatment Ju11_2 Auggl Symptoms (1)_
Red‘Eaven
7,8 Na- 96 64 2
9 N-K 448 343 4
11,124 NP 188 84 1
11,12 NP 254 124 2
15 NPK/2 418 400 4
l4 NPK 448 409 4
16 NPK 458 409 3
17 N-- . 196 152 l
19 N-K/2 572 591 5
Hale Haven
7,8 N-- 88 116 3
9 N-K 372 391 5
11,12 NP 196 148 3
16 _* ch 448 409 5

 

(l) 1, very severe; 2, severe; 3, moderate; 4, slight; 5, normal
5 From trees showing very severe symptoms.

27-

Discussion

In the Fooy plots, perhaps the most significant
observation was the great response of peach trees to potash
fertilizers. This appears to be another example of alfalfa
depleting the land to a very low potassium level (25# avail-
able K20 per acre) prior to setting out the orchard. Marl
applied to this area twelve years ago has maintained the pH
near neutrality. This, coupled with depletion of available
potassium by the alfalfa, has caused some of the young peach
trees to show severe potassium deficiency symptoms.

It is of interest to note the varietal differences as
to size of trees and severity of potassium deficiency symptoms.
Red Haven trees showed decidedly more deficiency than did Hale
Haven although the soil test and green leaf tissue test re-
sults for potassium were not significantly different for the
two varieties. Furthermore, the Hale Haven trees were the
largest. The Fertile Hale seedlings were one year younger
than the Hale Havens or Red Havens when planted. The leaves
of Red Haven variety were slightly lighter colored and showed
the most severe deficiency symptoms.

Unexpectedly, the heavy rates of potash fertilizer,
Spaded into the root zone, caused some injury to the trees
and in certain instances the trees were killed. After the
application of 2.5# K20 per tree, as K01, on August 1, 1947,
a heavy rain fell and no serious injury resulted although
the edges of a few leaves on one tree in row sixteen turned

brown. The application of potash made on September 18,1947

28
caused death of all the trees of rows ten and fifteen. There
had been a light rain immediately preceding the application
of fertilizer and the soil was sufficiently moist for the pot-
ash to go into solution. There was no additional rain for
several days and the high salt concentration proved fatal to
the trees. Trees fertilized with the high rate of potassium
in the spring showed no harmful effects. Perhaps a surface
application of 2.5# K20 would cause no difficulty, especially
in sod orchards. Small trees with root systems not extended

into the fertilized areas did not show any harmful effects.

Dilley Farm
The experimental area on the V.M. Dilley farm consisted

of thirty-six Red Haven peach trees divided into six plots of
six trees each. The plots are located on about a 3 per cent
slepe. The soil is sandy with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2 and is low
in organic matter and nutrients. In 1943 the two year old
trees showed what was thought to be potash deficiency symptoms.

Table VIII. Showing the experimental layout on the Dilley

 

 

__ T farm. .”
Row Treatment Trees
1 N-- x x x x x x
2 N-K x x x x x x
3~ NP- x x x x x x
4 NPK x x x x x x
5 N/2 PK x x x x x x
6 N-- x x x x x x

-_ A

 

N--l# NH4N0 per tree annually

P--12.5# 0- 0-0 spaded in around tree, August 1944

K--8.2# 0-0-60 applied in solution by injection into root
zone, August 1944.

29
Mr. Charles Mann of the Soil Conservation Service, Fennville,
Michigan treated a few trees with a light application of
0-0-60 and these showed improvement in foliage in 1944. In
August 1944 the six plots were started as outlined in Table
VIII.

Water injection of the potash was used in an effort to
get quick response to potash application. In addition in
July 1946 the cover cr0p in all the plots was treated with
500# NH4N03 broadcast; 759# 0-20-0 was applied to rows re-
ceiving phosphorus; 500# 0-0460 on rows receiving potassium;
and 1500# 0-10-20 0n rows receiving both phosphorus and pot-
assium. These applications were made on the sod in an effort

to increase its vigor.

(Green Leaf Testing Results

The test results in Table IX show that there was a
slight seasonal trend in the leaf content of potassium.
Early in the growing season (June and July), a higher pot-
assium content was found and again in late season the
Table II. The results of the tissue tests of peach leaves

kfrom the Dilley plots.
Date of_Sample and ppm of

otassium in tissue extract Per cent
Row and J Jul.1,Aug:1, Sept.1: 0ct.2,7531.2 Aug.1 potasiium

 

 

treatmen 1947 1947 1947 1947 1948 1948 1946

1 iN-- ' 132 7100 7100 I92 212 204777 .48
2 N-K 315 382 350 558 418 418 2.52
5 NP- 155 148 172 124 192 144 .48
4 NPK 266 232 278 292 400 566 2.14
5 n/2 PK 285 285 520 505 591 582 2.02
6 N-- 108 76 148 76 217 212 .55
(1) Ash analysis of 1946 included for comparison.

a ___.--.. 2..-- , .. ._ . .. 30

 

 

Row 511?- Row 4 NPK

Plate 3. Showing the difference in tree also due to potash
fertilizer. (Deficiency symptoms were evident on Row 3
at the time the picture was taken.)

 

 

How 4‘NPK’ ROW—3_NP-

Platelk. The effect of potassium on time of blossoming
and leaf development of peach trees. Blossoms and
leaves on the left row appeared one week earlier
than on the row on the right without potassium.
(Dilley orchard)

-3l
potassium in some leaves was higher. Because the leaf samples
did not change greatly during midseason (August), this time
seems most satisfactory for leaf sampling for diagnostic pur«
poses. Ash analysis for 1946 shows the very low content of
potassium at that time on the "no-potassium” trees. In 1948
the per cent of potassium by ash analysis was expected to be
higher as those trees showed less deficiency in 1948 than in
1946. _

Prune plums grown on the same farm show potassium def-
iciency symptoms different from those of peaches. 0n plum
trees the lower leaves of the spurs of second year wood turn
yellowish and die at the margins. The t0p, fast growing, ter-
minals of these same trees do not show any deficiency symptoms
but by leaf tissue tests the indication of deficiency can be
found. The modified Purdue test on plum leaves presented two
problems: first, the filtering was very slow, of both petioles
and blades, even with fast filter paper, and second, the larger
cell structure of the plum leaf allowed more potassium to be
released into the extracting solution. When peaches and plums
have the same potassium content, as shown by ash analysis, the
plum leaves show more potassium by quick tests. In plums the
petiole is longer than in peaches and it can be used more

easily in testing.

Growth Measurements
The trees fertilized with potassium in the deficient

areas have shown an increased trunk circumference and larger

52

diameter of twigs. In 1946 and 1947 measurements were taken
of fifty typical terminals from each plot of the Dilley orch-
ard. The average length and diameter of terminals and the
average number of buds on the new growth was determined. The
results are shown in Table x.

Table x. The effect of potash fertilii r on terminal growth

and fruit bud formation on peaches (Dilley orchard)
Average length Average diameter Average num-

 

 

of terminals of terminals ber of buds

. in inches in inches on this new
Row and (2) (3) growth
Treatment 1946 1947 1946 1947 1946 1947
'I“fi:. ‘8i5 ‘15.5 .125“'7I75 7.5 575‘”'
2 N—K, 11.6 22.5 .204 .220 12.9 14.0
3 NP. 5e8 11e4 e111 e144 4e9 204
4 NPK 12.3 20.4 .156 .206 12.0(4)l3.7
5 N/2 PK 10.7 22.8 .154 .219 5.1 15.0
6 N-- 14.3 15.1 .148 .158 9.1 7.1
Per cent in-
crease of K 22 56 34 36 44 226

treatments over
no-K treatments

(1) Taken by H.L. Garrard, Field Agronomist, American Potash
Institute, Homewood, I11. and Charles Mann, Soil Conser-
vation Service, Fennville, Michigan.

(2) April 25

(3) May 16

(4) No nitrogen used in 1945 on this row, thus the reduced
number of fruit buds for 1946.

Potassium deficient trees had twigs of smaller diameter
than normal trees. In these plots the diameter increase of
terminals of the "potassium” over the ”no-potassium" treated
trees was 35 per cent. The smaller number of fruit buds on
the "no-potassium” trees was sufficient to provide a light set
of fruit but the yield data in Table XV, Appendix, indicate
the limited yield obtained from these trees. The longer

terminals on the potassium treated trees provided larger trees

33

 

 

 

 

 

Plate 5.. The relative amounts of terminal shoot growth and
early spring growth of the peach trees treated with NP-
on the left and NK on the right. (Dilley orchard)

34
as shown in Plates III and IV, page 30. In 1947, the dia-
meter measurements were made May 16, after growth had begun

therefore the diameters were larger than those taken in 1946.

Peach Storage Tests

Samples of Red Haven peaches from the Dilley plots
were selected during the second picking on August 18, 1948
for storage tests. Metal trays which held fifty peaches
each were filled in the field and placed in storage units in
the Horticulture Building, Michigan State College, at a temp-
erature of 65°F. The rate of rot infection is shown graph-
ically in Figure IV. The NP treatment resulted in the great-
est and.most rapid loss due to rotting. In one sample from
the NdK treatment the rate of rotting was very low while in
a second sample the rate was much higher and so the average
of the two is shown in Figure IV. In this one test the fruit
of the NP treatment shows the greatest rate of rot infection.
Brown rot spread more slowly in the peaches from the potassium
treated plots than from those receiving N or NP.

Samples of peaches placed in storage at 41°F. did not
show significant differences in keeping quality that could be
attributed to differences in fertilizer treatment. Field
observation indicated that the trees were showing less pot-
assium.deficiency each year and it is possible that similar
tests on fruit from trees more deficient in potassium would
show a greater benefit from potassium.fertilization on keep-

ing quality of the fruit.

 

36

Fresh leaf samples placed in cold storage showed diff-
erences in their keeping quality due to fertilizer treatment.
Leaves low in potassium, particularly those showing severe or
very severe symptoms, turned brown and began decomposing earl-

ier than those high in potash.

Yield Measurements

In Table XV, Appendix, the yield for each picking for
three years is given. A three year average, in pounds, per
tree is given in Table XI. The yield has been affected by
potassium fertilization in three ways: increased tree area,
3 increased fruit bud formation and increased size and quality
of fruit (see Plate VI.). The NP- treatment row has both the
smallest trees and the lowest yield. In 1946 only 15 per
cent of the fruit from the NP- treatment row was over two
inches in diameter while 77 per cent of the fruit from pot-
assium treated trees were over two inches in diameter.

Table XI. Comparisons of leaf potassium, available soil
potassium, terminal growth, and average yield on Dilley

 

 

 

 

_P10t8e .

'Row and ppm in green Available K 5 Terminal’ w37yr. ave.

treatment tissue extract in sur. soii growth '47 yield/tree
Pounds per Inches pounds
acre

I N 7100 2 _15 44

2 N-K 350 20 22 76

3 NP- 172 11 ll 14

4 NPK 278 40 20 68

5 N/2 PK 520 44 25 55

6 N-- 148 3 15 30

 

The effect of potassium on the time of ripening of peaches
is shown in Table XV, Appendix. All rows receiving potassium

had larger yields and later ripening fruit than the ”no—

37

 

Plate 6. The effect of potassium fertilizer on the shape
and size of Red Haven peaches. (Dilley orchard)

38
potassium” rows. The second picking was small or lacking
in those trees not receiving potassium.

The soil test for available potassium in the surface
soil under the trees was low when compared to that of the
Kerlikowski plots. Since the potassium was injected into the
root zone three years previously the surface soil does not

give a high reading.

SUMMARY
For many years nitrogen fertilization and clean cul-
tivation with cover cr0ps has been the general soil management
practice in orchards in southwestern Michigan. In recent
years mmny fruit growers have become more soil conservation
minded and some are using sod and complete fertilizers in
peach orchards. The fertilization of orchards in sod presents
a number of problems that do not pertain to orchards in clean
cultivation.
For themost part, this study was concerned with the
possibilities of using tissue tests and soil tests as aids
in diagnosing potash deficiencies in peach trees.
The results of these studies indicate that:
(1). There are several orchards in southwestern Michigan
which respond favorably to potassium fertilization. Many
of these orchards are on soils which have been depleted of
available potassium.
(2). Where extra heavy applications of potassium are placed

in the root zone there is danger of salt injury. Applications

39
made to the surface or spaded in during favorable moisture
conditions would not be expected to cause injury.

(3). Because of the difficulties in adequately sampling
the root zone of trees, soil tests are of limited value in
determining fertilizer needs.

(4). As peach trees advance in age, the potassium deficiency
becomes less; however, a light application to young trees may
be very beneficial.

(5). The Modified Purdue method for determining potassium
in peach leaves correlates closely with the more time con-
suming ash analysis methods used.

(6). Tissue tests are a useful guide in diagnosing pot-

assium deficiency of peach trees.

1.

2.

3.

5e

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

4O
BIBLIOGRAPHY

Boynton, D., Responses of Young Elbertai Peach and Mont-
morency Cherry Trees to Potassium Fertilization in New
York. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 44:31-33, 1944.

Boynton, D., and Peach, Michael, Rapid Determination of
Potassium and Magnesium Content of Apple Leaves. Jour.
Amer. Soc. Agron. 37:404-407, 1945.

Chandler, R.F., Adsorption, Distribution and Seasonal
Movement of Potassium in Young Apple Trees and the Effect
of Potassium Fertilizer on Potassium and NitrOgen Content
and Growth of Trees. Jour. Agric. Res. 53:19-42, 1936.

Cook, R.L., Robertson, L.S., Lawton, Kirk, and Rood, P.J.,
Green Tissue Testing with the Spurway Soil Testing Equip-
ment as an Aid in Soil Fertility Studies. Proc. Soil Sci.
Soc. Amer. Vol 12:379-381, 1947.

Cullinan, F.P., and Scott, D.H.,-and Waugh, J.C., The Effect
of varying amounts of N, P, and K on the Growth of Young
Peach Trees. Proc. Amer.Soc. Hort. Sci. 36:61-68, 1939.

Cullinan, F.P., Trend in Peach Production, Varieties and
Soil Management. Trans. Ind. State Hort. Soc. 79th Annual
Report, p. 52, 1940e

, and Waugh, J.C., Responses of Peach Trees to
Potassium under Field Conditions, Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort.
Sci. 37:84-94, 1940.

, and Batjer, L.P., Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Pot-
assium Interrelationship in Young Peaches and Rpple Trees,
Soil Sci, 55:49-60. 1942

Davidson, O.W., and Blake, M.A., Responses of Young Peach
Trees to Nutrient Deficiencies, Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort.
Sci. 34:247-248, 1937.

, and , Nutrient Deficiency and Nutrient
Balance With tHe Peach, Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci.
34:247-248, 1937.

, The Translocation of Potassium Among Peach Roots.
Soil Sci. 58:51-59, 1944.

12.Davis, M.B., and Hill, H., Apple Nutrition. Tech. Bul. No.

32, Div. of Hort; Dept. of Agric, Dominion of Canada,
Ottawa, Canada, 1941.

13.

14.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.
25.

26.

27.

41.

Dunbar, 0.0., and Anthony, R.D., Two Cases of Potassium
Deficiency in Peach Orchards in South Central Pennsylvania.
Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 35:320-325, 1937.

Garrard, H.L., Experiences With Use of Potash Tissue Test
on Peach Leaves. Paper presented before Sub-Comm. on
Diagnosis of Plant Nutrient Status of the Fert. Comm.
Amer.Soc. of Agron. Nov. 3, 1947.

Johnston, S., Peach Culture in Michigan. Mich. Agri.
EXpte Sta. Eul. 177, 19410

Lilleland, 0., and Brown, J.C., The Potassium Content of
Fruit Trees II-Leaf Analysis . Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort.
Sci. 36:91-98, 1938.

, and , A Survey of Potassium Content of
Peach Zeaves from 130 Orchards. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort.
Sci. 38:37-48, 1940.

McCollan, M.E., Leaf Analysis, A Guide to Better Cr0ps.
Better Crops With Plant Food. Vol 28:3-6, 1944.

Musser, A.M., and Scott, L.E., Fertilizer Tests With Peach-
es. S.C. Agr. Expt. Sta. Ann. Rept. 113-116, 1935.

Piper, C.S., Soil and Plant Analysis. Interscience Pub.
Inc. New York, 1944.

Rawl, E.H., Peach Tree Fertilization Demonstration Results,
Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 37:85-86, 1940.

Savage, E.F., Cover Cr0ps and Fertilizers for Georgia
Peach Orchards. Ga. Expt. Sta. Cir. 122, 1940.

Scarseth, G.W., Plant-tissue Testing in Foliar Diagnosis
of Nutritional Status. Soil Sci, 55:113-120, 1943.

Schrader, A.L., Personal communication April 16, 1948.

Thornton, S.F., Conner, S.D., and Fraser, R.R., The Use of
Rapid Chemical Tests On Plants and Soils as Aids in Deter-
mining Fertilizer Needs. Ind. Agri. Expt. Sta. Cir. 204
(Revised), 1945.

Van Slyke, L.L., and Taylor, O.M., and Andrews, W.H.,
Plant-food Constituents Used by Bearing Fruit Trees.
NeYe Agri. Expt. Sta. Eul. 265, 1905e

Van Slyke, L.L., Fertilizers and Cr0p Production, Orange
Judd Publishing Co. New York. p454, 1937.

42'

28. Veatch, J.0., and Partridge, N.L., Utilization of Land
Types for Fruit Production, Berrien County, Michigan,
Mich. Agri. Expt. Sta. Spec. Bul. 257, 1934.

29. Waugh, J.C., and Cullinan, F.P., The N, P, and K Contents
of Peach Leaves as Influnced by Soil Treatments. Proc.
Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 38:13-16, 1941.

APPENDIX

44

Table XII. Part per million of potassium in the extract
of green leaves from individual trees receiving different
fertilizers-~Kerlikowski plots.
ROW, Tree, Augu8t l, Septel, OCte2, July 1, Aug.1,

 

and 1947 1947 1947 1948 1948

Treatment g_

7 3 NPK 358 . 366 374 400 343
4 NPK 320 382 374 400 366
5 NP 76 156 180 204 180
6 NP 172 184 180 266 204
7 N 120 136 74 180 140
8 N 100 164 42 232 132
10 N-K 320 350 327 409 343
11 N 128 164 92 212 148
12 N 67 144 64 176 112

9 3 NPK 358 358 343 391 320
4 NPK 366 374 335 418 343
5 NP 128 92 73 116 156
6 NP 196 184 ‘ 76 204 217
7 N 204 172 ' 112 152 176
8 N 172 136 96 204 196
9 N-K 358 366 320 391 350
11 N 164 184 100 248 164
12 N 108, 152 128 212 128

11 3 NPK 320 327 356 428 335
4 NPK 306 327 \ 313 438 350
5 NP 164 180 70 217 148
6 NP 70 132 67 172 100
7 ‘N 108 92 88 116 100
8 'N 156 144 120 246 172
9 N-K 278 327 306 ~-+ 172
10 N-K 320 366 327 418 320
11 N 88 136 92 184 164
12 N 80 144 100 248 217

13 3 _NPK 320 . 343 327 418 350
4 NPK 335 335 320 409 335
5 NP 8O 92 84 212 132
6 NP 140 124 92 272 217
7 N 92 88 55 248 188
8 N 124 120 67 ‘ 184 148
9 N-K 306 297 292 409 358
10 N-K 320 327 335 400 374
11 N 148 76 . 52 217 108
12 N 136 A96 55 237 112

 

45

.mmom non mucdom ca commoamxo mam
M 02w m 90% medaw> .040H .ba umswz< memu gpmou e010 moamswm 0 mo mpamomfioo AHV

 

 

m4 0.H 0.0 04 0.m 0.0 04 0. 0.0 04 o.H 0.0 2 NH
00 0.H 0.0 04 o.H 0.4 00 o.H 0.0 00H 0.H 4.0 2 Ha
4mm 4.H 0.0 000 0.H H.0 an :n nu 0N0 0.H 0.0 02 OH
400 m.H 0.0 000 0.H 0.0 40H H.m 0.0 an an nu M2 0
0m 0.H o.b 40 0.0 0.0 04 0.0 m.b 04 m.H o.> z 0
04 0.0 o.b >0 0.H 0.0 mb 0.0 0.0 40 0.H H.b z r
b0 o.HH 0.0 mm v.0 4.0 00 0.0 0.0 00 0.m 0.0 m2 0
04 0.4 0.0 >0 0.0 0.0 00 0.0 0.0 om 4.0 0.0 m2 0
00H 0.0 0.0 00H 0.b 0.0 00H 4.0 m.0 00H 0.0 0.0 0mm 4
mom 0.0a 0.0 HOH 0.0H 0.0 0am 0.0 0.0 000 m.0 0.0 mmz 0
m m mm m m mm m m mm m m mm

000mm0 mommndm oEHH oz Umefiq

wmeflq oEaH oz 0000mm 0000050 ucmEuwth

0H 30m Ha tom 0 30m b 30m 0:0 @009

 

w.m09w£oho mesoxaahmm
ma mmopp Hmdta>fivca nevus Hdom momumww no unmpnoo Edammmuom
0am mahondmonm manmaaw>m .mm :0 coaumufiaapnmh mo pommhm .HHHM.0HQmB

Table XIV.

46

The effect of fertilizer and lime on the cal-

cium, phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and

manganese content of the leaves of Red Haven peach trees

on Kerlikowski orchardsI 1945,
_Percentage Composition of Peach Leaves:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tree & Treatment N P K Ca Mg Mn
Row 7 Surface,limed
Tree 3 NPK 4.09 .252 3.54 .787 .281 .0078
4 NPK 4.21 .242 3.68 1.08 .278 .0083
5 NP" 4033 .270 059 1039 0496 00083
6 NP“ 4.21 .239 082 1.40 0562 .0083
7 Check 3062 .278 075 1035 .738 00045
8 Check 4.09 .280 .53 1.30 .693 .0043
9 N'K 4020 .218 3005 1000 0367 00058
10 N-K 4.10 .218 2.93 .836 .306 .0064
11 N-— 4.30 .260 .65; 1.33 .333 .0065
12 N“ 4005 0282 04 gut—28 0540 00058
Ebw 9 Spaded,no lime
Tree 3 NPK 4.09 .270 3.68 .836 .243' .0065
4 NPK 4.14 .246 3.48 1.23 .280 .0076
5 NP- 4017 0266 042 1.20 0450 00097
6 NP- 4.50 .268 .63 1.27 .519 .0075
7 Check 3.56 .272 .62 1.32 .546 .0047
8 Check 3.45 .268 .41 1.36 .625 .0033
9 N’K 4005 .250 2089 0941 0376 00049
10 N-K 3.99 .232 2.91 1.11 .389 .0067
11 N" 4004 0238 050 1022 .574 00053
12 N-- 4.43 .292 .53 1.22 .542 .0057
Row 11 Surface,no lime
Tree 3 NPK 4.01 .208 3.40 .888 .245 .0063
4 NPK 4.17 .248 - 3.28 .776 .223 .0063
5 NP- 4.22 .288 .53 1.08 .243 .0070
6 NP- 4019 0278 053 1.28 0520 00079
7 Check 5.90 .314 .43 1.13 .669 .0053
8 Check 3.98 .190 .76 1.33 .498 .0033
9 N-K 3.95 .218 3.22 .974 .348 00065
10 N'K 4014 .208 3.44 0770 0328 .0065
11 N“- 3085 0210 063 1042 0658 00069
12 N-- 4.23, .256 .72 1.31 .555 .0074,
Ebw 13 Spaded,1imed
Tree 3 NPK 4.05 .260 3.64 .919 .325 .0055
4 NPK 3.90 .270 2.82 1.16 .339 .0048
5 NP- 4012 .224 076 1036 0573 .0056
6 NP- 4027 0320 060 1029 0494 00050
7 Check 3.71 .308 .47 1.26 .673 .0043
8 Check 3.63 .244 .81 1.34 .634 .0052
9 N’K 3069 0192 2.96 0880 04“ 00039 ,
11 N-“ #017 .254 0% 1017 0653 00058
12 N“- 4029 0264' 041 1010 06:7] .0044

 

Table XIV. Continued.

trees in Kerlikowski orchards,5l94§.

47

The effect of fertilizer and lime on
the calcium,.phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium,
and manganese content of the leaves of Red Haven peach

 

 

Percentage Composition of Peach_Leaves

 

 

 

 

Tree & Treatment N _P' K Ca Mg_ Mh
Ebw 7 Surface,1imed
4 NPK 4.21 .254 3.59 1.05 .349 .0095
6 NP- 4.30 0259 1006 1018 0492 0008]:—
7 Check 4.02 .296 1.07 1.11 .563 .0043
8 Cheek 3091 0294 0565 1026 0625 00041"
9 N‘K 4013 0249 3.35 1.03 . 0335 00078
10 N“K 4028 0275 2.77 0864 .286 00071:-
11 N“ 4050 0260 0958 1013 .423 00061
12 N—- 4.25 .288 .333 1.20 .505 .0058
Row 9 Spaded,no lime
Tree 3 NPK 4.07 .255 3.61 1.08 .262 .0117
4 NPK 4.19 .284 3.11 .966 .383 .0137
5 NP- 4009 0270 0590 1011 0419 00134
6 NP- 4.65 0298 e763 1013 0408 00094
7 Check 4.26 .304 .847 1.07 .496 .0034
8 Check 4.03 .300 .515 1.42 .516 .0031-
10 N‘K 4017 0271 2.94 1003 0314 00083
11 N" 4016 e281 0575 1023 0468 00071
12 N-- 4.63 .326 .594 .903_ .447 .0116
wa 11 Surface,no limed ; ’
Tree 3 NPK 4.26 .274 3.30 .928 .290 .0144
4 NPK 4.32 .288 3:22 .807 .231 .0149
5 NF“ 40 60 0318 .686 - 096A 0330 00135
6 NP" 4037 0314 0607 0981 0375 00170
7 Check 4.09 .302 .666 1.20 .575 .0044
8 Check 4.13 .281 .908 1.28 .443 .0035
9 N‘K 4038 e274 2080 1007 0441 00082
10 N'K 4039 0271 2098 0746 0401 .0090
11 N-“ 3.95 0252 0617 1033 0686 00106
12 N-- 4.43 .290 .906 1.01_ .556 .0065
Row 13 Spaded,limed
Tree 3 NPK 4.26 .284 3.14 .979 .407 .0076
4 NPK 4.04 .290 3.56 1.12 .358 .0062
5 NP- 4.34 .337 .966 1.08 .613 .0051
6 NP- 4.34 .315 1.31 1.19 .557 .0055
7 ChOCk 40 51 0364 0840 0999 0715 00036
8 Check 4009 0288 0777 1032 0552 00047
9 N’K 4.05 0279 1.71 0913 0474 00066
11 N“ 4016 0281 0676 1.15 0560 .0071
12 N“ #052 0304 0691 0956 0657 00014

 

Table7XIV.

trees in Kerlikowski orchards, 1947.

Continued.

48

The effect of fertilizer and lime on
the calcium, phosphorus, nitrogen,potassium, magnesium,
and manganese content of the leaves of Red Haven peach

Percentage Composition of Peach Leaves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tree & Treatment N 2.3, K Ca: Mg; Mn
wa 7 Surface,1imed .
Tree 3 NPK 3.79 .239 2.95 1.63 .395 .0136
4 NPK 3.92 .230 3.03 1.47 .312 .0123
5 NP- 4.12 .243 .816 1.47 .479 .0107
6 NP- 4013 0233 1040 1048 0570 00095
7 011901: 3064 0273 1009 1060 0708 00068
8 Check 3.92 .269 .626; 1.54 .738 .0068
10 N‘K 4011 0246 2058 1046 0466 00098
11 N-“ 4.10 0232 0920 1056 0603 00082
12 N-- 4.74 .258 .9575 77,40 .575 .0073
Row 9 Spaded,no lime
Tree 3 NPK 3.95 .228 2.93 1.50 .395 .0180
4 NPK 4.18 .249 2.63 1.61 .435 .0157
5 NP- 4002 0244 0468 1015 0509 00254
6 NP- 4.54 .274 .844 1.33 .597 .0097
7 Check 4.14 .279 1.12 1.38 .614 .0049
, 11 N'“ 4.28 0273 0840 1031 0489 00072
12 N-- 4.37 .284 .759 1:25 .507 .0132“
wa 11 Surface, no lime
Tree 3 NPK 4.01 .237 2.81 1.46, .422 .0112
4 NPK 4.35‘ .262 2.93 1.18 .339 .0180
5 NP“ 4037 0289 0786 1041 0483 00122
6 NP“ 4035 0303 0755 1033 0575 00123
7 Check 4.04 .288 .672 1.33 .550 , .0104
8 011601! ‘ 4004 0260 1004 2000 0570 00054
9 N"K 4008 0301 - 2049 1047 0404 00149
10 N—K 4.08 .245 2.73 1.17 .461" .0175
11 N“ z“008 02714 0786 1029 0492 00119
12 N-- 4.73 .254 .718 1.45 .526 .007
Row 13 Spaded, limed
5 NP- 4.25 0289 0787; 1040 0594 00054
6 NP- 4.49 .302 .932 1.31 .542 .0051
8 Cheek 3096 0267 0767 1081 0701 00061
9 N-K 4.07. .220 2.28 1.52 .500 .0089
10 N‘K z"018 0225 2054 1036 0441 00071
11 N" 4028 0256 c 0555 1022 0553 00069
12 N-- 4.50 .251 ,558 1.45 .533. .0064

 

49

Table XV. Effect of fertilizer on yield and time of
ripening of Red Haven peaches, Dilley plots,

1946;;948.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

gigatment, Pickings(1) Average per tree
and Year 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Total Each5yea£ #3Uyeag_
‘ 1946 121 90 -- 211 42 4
1 N 1947 76 31 50 157 31 44
#51948 285 _15 -- .300 60
1946 146 301 -- 447 89
2 N-K 1947 129 26. 100 255 51 76
1948 165_, 80 -- ‘ 445_ 289
1946 56 -- -- 66 13
3 NP- 1947 37 7 -- 44 9 14
57948 80 :18 -- ,98 20
1946 125 154 -- 279 56
4 NPK 1947 193 42 75 310 62 68
_1248 _350 75 -- 425 85
1946 93 118 -- 211 42
5 N/2PK 1947 185 61 40 286 57 55
7:1948 290 55 -- 325. 65
1946 141 66 -- 207 41
6 N 1947 84 21 5 110 22 30
1948 90 40 -- 130 26

 

(1) Yield in pounds from five trees per plot.

ROOM USE ONLY

 

 

MICHIGAN STATE UNIV. LIBRQRIES

| I“ 1|! 11111qu11
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